After much deliberation and many questions, Fountain Hill Zoning Board unanimously approved plans for a new daycare at its Feb. 19 meeting.

Applicant Sonia Bourgeois may continue renovations and planning for her childcare establishment. Bourgeois currently owns a family daycare located at 626 West Tilghman St., Allentown, but would like to expand her existing services.

The center will be located at 710 Fiot St. and will have an entrance on Seneca Street. The daycare will have long hours provided to working. Bourgeois was granted her request to have hours ranging from 6 a.m. until midnight Monday through Sunday. Her purpose for these hours is to be able to provide a facility to parents who work first and second shifts.

The suggested hours did prompt some concern from the board, especially with regard to security. Owner of the building Eugene Flapp mentioned the extensive lighting on the property and Bourgeois insisted she would invest in cameras for various locations.

Sheila Fernandez, an employee of Bourgeois, represented her employer. Flapp said there are currently inhabited apartments above the proposed location of the daycare and next to the location. John Ashley Esq., member of the board, asked Flapp if there would be enough parking for tenants and employees of the daycare and for dropping off and picking up children. Flapp assured the board that there are 23 parking spaces available for use on the property and ample room for a pick up and drop off area without interfering with tenant's private parking area.

Fernandez submitted the plans of the property, as well as the architect's plans, to the board. Some changes will be made to the existing property, such as adding handicap accessible restrooms and entrances and exists. A small area for food preparation will also be added to the existing structure. The proposed plans include dividing the building into three separate age-appropriate rooms, with children ranging from infant to preteen.

Once Bourgeois and her team of employees will be able to open for business once they receive licensing from the state.