turn. >> All right. We're now
recording. >> Okay. And you can turn your
mic on to Miss Martin. >> There we go. Sure.
>> Okay. All right. This is the 18th of August. It is
approximately 530 in the evening. We are here for
BA26-010C. An application by persons first Incorporated.
Actually, it's by Miss Kenisha Martin, who's trading as
Persons First Incorporated. It's a request for a
conditional use for a child care facility. Comma daycare,
treatment and care facility. And Miss Martin, we are here at
your request. It is your case. And so since you're going to be
the only witness tonight. I need to swear you in. Sure.
Thank you. Do you solemnly swear or affirm under the
penalty of perjury, that the responses given in statements
made shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but
the truth? >> Yes.
>> Thank you. Please state your name and business address for
the record. >> Sure. Kenisha. Martin.
Business address is 164295 freeway, Miss Bowie, Maryland.
>> All right. Thank you. All right. It is your case. It is
your burden of proving that you meet all the requirements for
the proposed use. So I'm going to let you just go and tell me
how you meet all of the required criteria.
>> Sure. So we have gone through the necessary steps for
the conditional use process. This is our last last phase. We
have given the narrative for the program that we're going to
be operating. And Saint John's Lane.
>> There there lies my first question. How many students are
requested? >> Sure. Approximately 30.
>> 30. Okay. So I have to set a number. So 30 a maximum of 30.
>> Well, we can if there's room for. We certainly have room for
more. So. But we typically go by projected numbers of who we
think will support. But we can increase the number if there's
need, we can go over that number by maybe 40, 40.
>> Okay. Because your petition all states in terms of three
classrooms, well, three classrooms doesn't tell me how
many students you're proposing. So I have to set the number.
>> No, that makes sense. So the three class. So two of the
three will be utilized for the actual students. One will be a
conference room. So it's one conference room for maintenance
to make sure that we have confidentiality. And then two
for where the actual program will be operated.
>> So you think that each classroom can accommodate 20
students at a time. >> Absolutely.
>> All right. So you're asking for 4040 students. Okay. All
right. Okay. I'm sorry to interrupt you. Go ahead.
>> Sure. So the space will be utilized to support persons.
The population that we will support is persons that have
developmental disabilities and who may be on the autism
spectrum. Our goal or aim is to provide a structured day for
each person that will support them with having their skills
met. So for example, learning life skills, educational
purposes will also be tailored. So we have some classes for
that. We'll also be helping with employment. So the
classroom may have we may have laptops and different things
that will assist each person with being able to look for
employment and so forth. >> All right. So you're leading
me to my next question, which is what is the age of your
proposed clients? 20. >> Sure. 21 and older.
>> 21 and older. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.
>> Gotcha. So we can continue. Okay. And so the day that we'll
have within each within the center where we'll be, we'll
also have some community based opportunities. So we'll be
volunteering as well in different establishments. So
we'll be in and out of the building. We won't spend our
entire days there, although if the weather permits doesn't
permit, we may be indoors throughout the duration of our
time. Besides that, we also will have a few of our staff.
So for example, some persons may be approved through the
state for 1 to 1 staffing ratios. So we'll have staff
members who will be there to make sure that each persons
within their appropriate staffing ratios. We will.
>> Also again. Sorry for interrupting. Are you going to
be licensed through the state of Maryland?
>> We will. Yes. That is the next phase of this.
>> Okay. And and what what we what we like. What is your
licensure? What what will that be for?
>> Sure. So it'll be for what's called a day program. That's
what the state classifier program has. Day program.
>> Okay. And your request to them will also then be for a
maximum of 40 students. >> They're going by the
capacity of the Howard County is a proven. So they're
actually looking for that occupancy permit as well. So
whatever number is we are approved for is what they're
going to go with. Nothing greater.
>> Okay. All right. And we just capped it at 40. Yes. Even if
they say 50 you still only get 40.
>> 40 is perfectly fine given the plan that we have in mind.
Yes. >> Okay. All right. I'm sorry.
Go ahead. >> No problem. So besides that,
we will also have our narrative also describes that we will
utilize some of the parking spaces that is currently there.
We will have minivans. I'm not sure how many, just depends on
how many persons that we support at a time. So if we're
supporting ten person within our first year of operation,
then the number of vehicles that we'll have will be based
on that. But it will not go over the the appropriate number
that we have listed in our narrative. Besides that.
>> Are you operating a similar program elsewhere? Now?
>> We community based. It's not in a licensed site, so we are
fully community based right now. We just need a licensed site to
be able to host people within a building. Yeah. Activities.
Yeah. Okay. Yes. So besides that, not really sure what else
to share. I can go over a few other details that are listed
within our narrative, if that's needed.
>> So what you're going to need to share is the document. What
you're going to need to share is all of the requirements of
this particular use. Because right now there is nothing in
the record because I cannot take the technical staff report
as being. They're not here, so I can't cross-examine them. So
I need you to go down all the criteria, see all the criteria
for. And I can help you with that. So the general criteria
for conditional use is you're gonna have to meet that. All
right. So the first criteria is that the proposed conditional
use plan will be in harmony with the land uses and policies
in the Howard County General Plan.
>> Yes. So bear with me one second. I'm pulling up my
attachment to give me one second. Our narrative. Almost
there. >> No worries.
>> And please pardon me if I'm going to just summarize each of
what I have currently. And then if you need more details, just
let me know. Feel free and I'll go a bit deeper.
>> Okay? Because we kind of have to go through every one of
the criteria. So if you want to address the first criteria,
which is harmony of the proposed use with the Howard
County General Plan, how do you do that?
>> Gotcha. So I have so I'm just going to read verbatim.
The petitioner requests an approval of a conditional use
pursuant. And I won't read all of the numbers unless it's
needed. So I have one, three, 1.0 and three and one three of
Howard County zoning regulations to operate a day
treatment and care facility center at 3291 Saint John's
Lane, Ellicott City, Maryland 21042. The subject property is
an existing one, fully developed and established the
process. The proposed conditional use does not
include any new construction, building additions, site
expansion or physical improvements. The use will
occur entirely within the existing structure and utilize
the existing site layout as currently configured. The
proposed facility will provide supportive services for
individuals with disabilities, including program focus on
independent living skills, healthy living, education,
social development and vocational readiness, and
structured opportunities for community participation and
volunteer engagement. The second part is with being in
compliance with section 131.0 n 13 conditional use requirement.
So accessibility and circulation and safety will be
described. The site is served by an existing peculiar excuse
me, access from Saint John's Lane. There's no changes to
that existing access point, circulation patterns or parking
configuration are proposed. The facility will utilize existing
on site circulation and parking areas, so nothing will be
changed where utilizing existing space, our drop off
and pick up for activities will occur on site in a safe and
orderly manner, consistent with one point. Excuse me, 131.0 n
.13 A. I'm probably not citing that correctly.
>> That's okay. The long mouthful yes, I got you.
>> I would not create and will not create unsafe conditions or
congestion on adjacent drive. Excuse me. Roadways then lot
size and capacity which is under 131.0 N13B the existing
developed parcel provides no. >> I think we lost her for a
minute. >> Yeah, she must have hit.
Leave hearing.
Okay, we've got our back.
>> Okay. >> There we go.
>> Alrighty. My apologies. My computer completely shut down.
>> No worries. That's what has happened when we do things
virtually not. Not a worry. >> Gotcha. Thank you. I'm just
going to log back on. And I'm just going to disconnect the
video from my other screen and then stay on my cell phone,
which is fully charged. >> Okay. All right.
>> Okay. >> And I'm very sweaty. Oh my
goodness. >> So no, no no worries.
>> Oh my goodness. Okay, so I believe we're on lot size and
capacity. So I'll continue there. Okay. So for lot size
and capacity, the. And building capacity to accommodate the
proposed day treatment and care facility without modification,
the use will be contained entirely within the existing
building and site improvements, and is consistent with the
capacity of the property under one, three, 1.0 point N13B. The
next point is setbacks and site design, so no new construction
or site disturbance is proposed. There are no changes to
setbacks, buffer or site designs. Existing conditions
remain unchanged and the conditional use does not
increase or intensify any nonconformities consistent with
one, three, 1.0 and 0.3 D. Our next point is compatibility and
absence of nuances. The proposed use operate entirely
within an existing enclosed structure. Use constructions or
slight modifications are proposed. The nature of the
facility's educational, therapeutic and supportive and
is not expected to generate noise, odor, lighting, lighting,
or other or other impacts that would adversely affect
surrounding properties. Because the site remains physically
unchanged, the conditional use does not introduce any new
environmental or physical impacts to the surrounding area.
The use is consistent with professional and institutional
service activities and is compatible with surrounding
land use along Saint Johns Lane. Okay, the next point for us is
the general conditional use standard, which is under 131.0
B harmony with the General Plan. The proposed facility supports
Howard County's goals of providing inclusive, community
based services for individuals with disabilities. The use
promotes independence, accessibility and community
integration. Consistent with the General Plan. Now we're
under nature and intensity of use, which is under 131.0 B two.
The use is low intensity and will not alter the existing
developed development pattern of the site because no
improvements, expansions or physical changes are proposed.
There is no increase in site intensity beyond the existing
conditions. And next we have mobility with vansickle
properties. Hopefully I'm pronouncing that correct under
one three. Thank you. Under 131.0 b three. The proposed use
is fully compatible with surrounding properties. The
facility is located within an existing development structure
and operations are consistent with institutional or
professional service uses. No changes to the physical
environment are proposed and therefore no new impacts to the
adjacent properties will occur. Next, we have adequate public
facilities under 131.0 B four. The site is already served by
existing public infrastructure, including road access,
utilities and emergency services. The proposed use does
not require any infrastructure expansion or upgrades and will
not burden public facilities. Next, we have public health,
safety and welfare under 131. Treatments and care facility
promotes public health health care by providing structured,
supportive services that assist individuals with disabilities
in developing, excuse me, independence, life skills and
community participation. The reuse of an existing developed
site without improvements supports efficient land use and
maximizes environmental and community impacts. Okay, then
we have for our conclusion the proposed day treatment care
facility at 3291 Saint Johns Lane, Ellicott City, Maryland,
21042 fully complies with one three, 1.0 and 13 and the
general conditional use standards under 131.0 B of
Howard County zoning regulations. The use will be
located entirely within an existing established structure,
with no proposed improvements or physical alterations to the
site. As a result, the conditional use introduces no
new adverse impacts and is fully capable with surrounding
be compatible with surrounding development and close. We are
respectfully requested an approval of the conditional use
petition. >> And your hours of operation
are Monday through Friday. Eight A excuse me 8 a.m. to 3
p.m. correct.
I'm sorry, I don't think you heard me. I
said. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8
a.m. to 3 p.m. >> That is correct. Yes.
>> All right. >> Okay.
>> Your square footage is 3075ft?!S.
>> Let me confirm for you. Bear with me. I can pull up the. One
if you. And your is solely for what we're occupying. Correct?
Not for the right. >> The whole, the whole. Use
the religious facility acreage is 8.97 acres. And I'm asking
you for the square footage you're going to be using for
the three classrooms.
>> I don't want to give an approximate. I'm pulling up the
actual map. >> Thank you, I appreciate that.
>> Sure. So draw in that.
>> I'm going to have to do the math. And I'm going to include
the conference room. So just the two classrooms.
>> Now, the entire square footage that you intend to
utilize. >> Yes. So we have.
>> 20. 20. Five plus. Zero. Alrighty.
>> So in total, 2075. >> Okay, perfect. The number I
have two. So we're we're good. All right. And I'm, I'm
presuming that you have entered into a lease agreement with the
religious facility for the three classrooms.
>> Yes. We have. >> Okay.
>> Which is on hold until everything is squared away with
the conditional use. So although we have the agreement,
we don't have an effect. >> Right. Contingent on your
getting the conditional use and probably contingent on your
getting a license from the state, correct?
>> Yes, that is correct. >> Yeah. Okay. All right. Is
there anything further that you would like to tell me tonight
about your application? >> Bear with me one second.
No, I was just taking a look at the
other pieces just to make sure that I wasn't missing anything.
We have been in compliance with submitting all the required
information that was required of us through the process. So I
just would like to know perhaps what the next steps are from
the hearing. This is my first one, so thank you for your
patience with that, with answering the questions I have.
>> Okay. But with regards to this application, I answer your
question just a second. But with regards to this
application, you feel like that you have told me everything
there is to say, and you are asking that I grant the
conditional use. >> Yes, that is correct. Yes.
>> Okay. So the next step in the process is I will issue a
decision and order, and it will either approve the conditional
use as you're asking. It'll approve the conditional use
with conditions and or it will deny the conditional use in the
event. In the event that you are unhappy with my decision
and order, you have a right to appeal to the Board of Appeals.
And in case you're in that position, Miss Berg will help
you through that process. And in the event you were unhappy
with the Board of Appeals, you can always appeal to the
Circuit Court for Howard County and then to the appellate court.
But I don't think we're going to get there. So anyway, a
decision I'm going to declare. Did that answer your question?
>> Absolutely, yes. >> Okay. All right. So I'm
going to declare that the evidentiary hearing in this
matter is deemed to be concluded, and I will be
issuing a decision and order shortly. Okay. And you'll
receive it electronically. Miss Berg will send it out to you.
And then assuming it is an approval or an approval with
conditions, you would then take the next step in your process,
and you probably will be asking the Department of Zoning and
Planning and then processing through the State Board of
Education or whomever, or health, whoever is going to be
licensing your facility. >> No problem.
>> Okay. All right. If we're good, I'm going to declare that
this evidentiary hearing has been held. I've already said
that. And a decision in order will be shortly forthcoming.
And I thank you for your participation here tonight, and
I wish you the best of luck. >> Thank you so much.