Zoners Deny Group Family Day Care

The Upper Macungie Zoning Hearing Board denied the request of a variance for Ethia Dulorie of 1603 Silo Hill Lane in Breinigsville to increase the number of children she cares for.

Dulorie, and her attorney Dan O'Donnell, sought to obtain a variance Wednesday night for a Group Family Day Care facility. That would have allowed Dulorie to care for up to 12 unrelated children in her home, under state Department of Welfare regulations.

Currently, Dulorie cares for six children in her home under a commercial day care facility within township zoning requirements.

Dulorie has operated a commercial childcare facility in her Breinigsville home since November 2007, but said she has been looking to obtain an off-site facility for some time in order to expand her business.

"I don't intend to work from my home for the rest of my life," she said. "Any variance would be temporary."

However, neighbor and attorney James Kratz pointed out to the board that a Group Day Care Center with more than six children is not a permitted use in a residential zone under Upper Macungie zoning laws.

Neighbors Angela and Gary Connors pointed out the parking situation is dangerous at Dulorie's home and that many parents picking up and dropping off children speed through the neighborhood. The Connors' said many parents park in front of driveways pointing the wrong way of Silo Hill Lane.

Zoning Hearing Board members voted unanimously against granting the variance.

Duloire will continue to operate a daycare center in her home, consisting of no more than six children.