Business owner withdraws application for Swampscott daycare center

SWAMPSCOTT – After opposition from neighbors, an application for a special permit to open a childcare center has been pulled.In June 2008, Fima Kahn submitted an application to the ZBA for a special use permit because he wanted to open a daycare center at 172 Burrill St. The existing structure is a two-family home that Kahn, who already operates a home daycare center at his Eastman Avenue residence, would like to convert into a childcare center for a minimum of 20 children.Kahn’s attorney, William DiMento, said the property is zoned residential and Kahn was asking for a change in use and a reduction in the number of required parking spaces.DiMento said opposition from neighbors and requirements the ZBA tried to impose during the process caused Kahn to withdraw his application for a special permit recently.”He has given up his dream of opening a daycare center there,” DiMento said. “A couple of ZBA members wanted a road down the middle of the property so kids would be dropped off in the yard where other kids are playing.”Loring Lincoln, who lives two doors down from the proposed daycare, said more than 25 neighbors signed a petition opposing the project. Opponents claim a daycare center would have an adverse impact on the quality of life and it would increase congestion in an already congested area.DiMento said after nine months of trying to work with neighbors and the ZBA, Kahn decided not to open a large daycare center, but DiMento said there is a possibility he would open a smaller facility.”He may proceed with opening a daycare they can’t stop,” DiMento said. “He could open a family daycare for up to six children without a variance because state law allows this use by right.”