A new day care center opening at the one-time Newberry Five and Ten store on Main Street is not sitting well with Northampton Borough Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Sr.

Lopsonzski Sr. did not pull any punches voicing his indignation at last Thursday's council meeting, registering his concerns over the safety of the children which may be enrolled at the uptown facility.

Rainbow Butterfly Learning Center will occupy the quarters, formerly occupied by The Gospel Chapel, which bought the former Ukrainian Club on Newport Avenue. The children facility will be located next to a taco restaurant.

The zoning office has issued a permit for a new daycare center in a portion of the former Gospel Chapel.which is located at 2022 Main Street. Before the Gospel Chapel was located at the Main Street location for several years, it served as a farmers market and as Newberry's, a very popular destination in the 1950s and 1960s.

"When it comes to council, my vote will be no," Lopsonzski said.

Borough Manager Gene Zarayko said the daycare center vote will not appear before council any time soon as it is a zoning matter. Approval has been granted since it is a permitted use,

"I think it's insane," Lopsonzski said.

He also mentioned the heavy vehicle traffic on nearby 21st and Main streets and the rear entrance to the municipal Center Street parking lot where businesses flourish. He said the daycare will also force parents to double park when dropping off and picking up their children.

"I agree. It's not an ideal situation," council Vice President Robert McHale added.

There are two other privately run daycare centers in the borough, one at the former Catholic War Veterans Post on Washington Avenue and the other on Canal Street.