Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutZTA201300004 Legacy Document 2013-05-22May 15, 2013 Members of the Albemarle County Planning Commission: We are writing to you to voice our support for the proposed county zoning amendment for daycare providers that would allow for in -home facilities, by right, to care for up to twelve children. We currently have our two year -old son enrolled at such a facility, Gentle Care Daycare, and will soon be sending our infant daughter there in July. Gentle Care is currently licensed by the State to care for up to twelve children. However due to current zoning restrictions, if the proposed amendment is not passed, that number would be reduced to only five children, and there is a possibility that our children will not be able to attend this wonderful daycare that our family has grown to love and rely on so much. When we began looking for childcare in Charlottesville, we looked at several large daycare facilities, as well as some smaller operations. Gentle Care was the ONLY one that would accommodate a part-time schedule and allow us to choose the days our son would attend. This flexibility is invaluable to us, as well as other members of the community, and has allowed us to maintain our desired work schedules while providing high quality childcare for our son. By passing this amendment, you greatly increase the number of childcare options for the citizens in our community, and the flexibility that these smaller providers can accommodate, both areas that are in dire need in the Charlottesville /Albemarle community. The main reason we love Gentle Care so much is because of its loving and nurturing environment. Mozedeh Monjezi and her staff provide a fun and educational place in which our son has thrived. He is growing into a smart, happy, and thoughtful person in part because of his experiences there. Having someone else take care of our kids has not been an easy decision for us, and we truly feel that the people at Gentle Care are part of our family. So we ask that you please pass the zoning amendment. Also, given the fact that the Planning Commission has already adopted a resolution of intent to pass this zoning amendment; and the fact that this facility is currently operating with a license to care for up to 12 children; we would also request that you provide a temporary exception to allow Gentle Care to continue to serve up to twelve children, and allow staff to provide documentation to this effect to the State licensing board, so that this wonderful facility would be able to renew their license in July and Gentle Care could continue to care for the children of this community. Sincerely i Ryan and Robye Davidson 1177 Old Lynchburg Road Charlottesville, VA 22903 Cc: Amelia McCauley, Director of Zoning Ron Higgins, Chief of Zoning Rebecca Ragsdale, Permit Planner May 15, 2013 Members of the Albemarle County Planning Commission: We are writing to you to voice our support for the proposed county zoning amendment for daycare providers that would allow for in -home facilities, by right, to care for up to twelve children. We currently have our two year -old son enrolled at such a facility, Gentle Care Daycare, and will soon be sending our infant daughter there in July. Gentle Care is currently licensed by the State to care for up to twelve children. However due to current zoning restrictions, if the proposed amendment is not passed, that number would be reduced to only five children, and there is a possibility that our children will not be able to attend this wonderful daycare that our family has grown to love and rely on so much. When we began looking for childcare in Charlottesville, we looked at several large daycare facilities, as well as some smaller operations. Gentle Care was the ONLY one that would accommodate a part-time schedule and allow us to choose the days our son would attend. This flexibility is invaluable to us, as well as other members of the community, and has allowed us to maintain our desired work schedules while providing high quality childcare for our son. By passing this amendment, you greatly increase the number of childcare options for the citizens in our community, and the flexibility that these smaller providers can accommodate, both areas that are in dire need in the Charlottesville /Albemarle community. The main reason we love Gentle Care so much is because of its loving and nurturing environment. Mozedeh Monjezi and her staff provide a fun and educational place in which our son has thrived. He is growing into a smart, happy, and thoughtful person in part because of his experiences there. Having someone else take care of our kids has not been an easy decision for us, and we truly feel that the people at Gentle Care are part of our family. So we ask that you please pass the zoning amendment. Also, given the fact that the Planning Commission has already adopted a resolution of intent to pass this zoning amendment; and the fact that this facility is currently operating with a license to care for up to 12 children; we would also request that you provide a temporary exception to allow Gentle Care to continue to serve up to twelve children, and allow staff to provide documentation to this effect to the State licensing board, so that this wonderful facility would be able to renew their license in July and Gentle Care could continue to care for the children of this community. Sincerely, Ryan and Robye Davidson 1177 Old Lynchburg Road Charlottesville, VA 22903 Cc: Amelia McCauley, Director of Zoning Ron Higgins, Chief of Zoning Rebecca Ragsdale, Permit Planner May 15, 2013 Members of the Albemarle County Planning Commission: We are writing to you to voice our support for the proposed county zoning amendment for daycare providers that would allow for in -home facilities, by right, to care for up to twelve children. We currently have our two year -old son enrolled at such a facility, Gentle Care Daycare, and will soon be sending our infant daughter there in July. Gentle Care is currently licensed by the State to care for up to twelve children. However due to current zoning restrictions, if the proposed amendment is not passed, that number would be reduced to only five children, and there is a possibility that our children will not be able to attend this wonderful daycare that our family has grown to love and rely on so much. When we began looking for childcare in Charlottesville, we looked at several large daycare facilities, as well as some smaller operations. Gentle Care was the ONLY one that would accommodate a part-time schedule and allow us to choose the days our son would attend. This flexibility is invaluable to us, as well as other members of the community, and has allowed us to maintain our desired work schedules while providing high quality childcare for our son. By passing this amendment, you greatly increase the number of childcare options for the citizens in our community, and the flexibility that these smaller providers can accommodate, both areas that are in dire need in the Charlottesville /Albemarle community. The main reason we love Gentle Care so much is because of its loving and nurturing environment. Mozedeh Monjezi and her staff provide a fun and educational place in which our son has thrived. He is growing into a smart, happy, and thoughtful person in part because of his experiences there. Having someone else take care of our kids has not been an easy decision for us, and we truly feel that the people at Gentle Care are part of our family. So we ask that you please pass the zoning amendment. Also, given the fact that the Planning Commission has already adopted a resolution of intent to pass this zoning amendment; and the fact that this facility is currently operating with a license to care for up to 12 children; we would also request that you provide a temporary exception to allow Gentle Care to continue to serve up to twelve children, and allow staff to provide documentation to this effect to the State licensing board, so that this wonderful facility would be able to renew their license in July and Gentle Care could continue to care for the children of this community. Sincerely, Ryan and Robye Davidson 1177 Old Lynchburg Road Charlottesville, VA 22903 Cc: Amelia McCauley, Director of Zoning Ron Higgins, Chief of Zoning Rebecca Ragsdale, Permit Planner Jim and Jenine Daly 1642 Old Brook Rd. Charlottesville, VA 22901 434 - 973 -3036 5/14/2013 To Whom It May Concern, We are writing in support of Mozhdeh Monjezi and Gentle Care Daycare. We are neighbors and also parents of a child who currently attends Gentle Care. Gentle Care is a wonderful, well -run establishment. Over the past four years we have had one or both of our children under their care. Mrs. Monjezi and her assistants have truly loved and cared for our children. They worked hard to learn our children's individual needs and make any adjustments to meet them. We have been pleased with the activities that our children have participated in while attending Gentle Care. Every day our child comes home with artwork or crafts, a new piece of knowledge, or a new song or dance to share with us. With three adults, there is a small adult -to -child ratio, so each child is able to get a lot of attention. Each adult brings her own talents and therefore provide varied activities and interactions. Mrs. Monjezi has filled a need in the Albemarle County area by allowing flexible scheduling. We, as well as several friends of ours, were drawn to Gentle Care in part because we could bring our children part -time, even as infants. When we were investigating possible daycare providers, this was difficult to find. By sending our children to Gentle Care, we were able to afford childcare while continuing to work part-time. Because many parents take advantage of this flexibility, children arrive and depart at different times during the day, so there is no increased traffic in the neighborhood due to the facility being here. We wholeheartedly support Gentle Care and the services they provide. Thank you so much for your consideration. Jim and Jenine Da y May 12, 2013 Dear Albemarle County Zoning Committee, I am writing on behalf of Mozhdeh Monjezi and Gentle Care Daycare. We have been extremely lucky to have Mozhdeh and her staff take care of both of our sons for the last few years. It is a hard thing, as a parent, to give your child to a stranger and have him /her take care of your baby, but Mozhdeh and her staff are wonderful. We could not be happier with the care that both of our kids have received or are still receiving there. We first got a spot in her daycare in 2010 when my older son was 1 years old. We started looking for daycare before our first son was born. During our search, we found it amazing the lack of quality daycare that was available in Charlottesville. Two of the daycares we looked at had at least a year -long waitlist for the infant /toddler room. We submitted applications (prior to knowing when our son would be born) and put ourselves on waitlists but did not hear back from either place until our son was at least 9 months old. Through our friends, we heard about Gentle Care Daycare. Immediately, Mozhdeh welcomed us into her home where we were met with happy, well- mannered children. We liked the atmosphere, Mozhdeh's warmth and the fact that there were kids of many ages all interacting together. When we found out that we were having a second baby, we informed Mozhdeh right away so we could be on the waitlist. We did not want and did not consider having anyone else take care of our baby. Fortunately, a spot opened up when we needed to start care and my 20 month old is currently still there. Mozhdeh and her staff, Kati and Laura, do an amazingjob of taking care of all the kids, really catering to each child's needs and helping them grow. I support Mozhdeh and Gentle Daycare and the need for quality in -home daycares in Charlottesville. It is truly a home away from home and the love and support the kids receive there cannot be compared. There is a great need for quality, trust - worthy daycare in Charlottesville and Gentle Care Daycare is one of them. Sincerely, Kawai & Riki Tanabe 5 -14 -13 To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to request a change in the zoning allowances for Mozhdeh Monjezi's day care, Gentle Care Daycare. My son, Simon, who is currently 2 years old, has been attending Gentle Care daycare for more than 2 years. Before we found Mozhdeh, Simon attended several other daycares, had many other babysitters, and my husband and I never felt fully comfortable leaving him in anyone's care until we met Mozhdeh. As we consider growing our family, we have always known that Mozhdeh will take care of all our future children as well. Gentle Care Daycare provides our family with everything we could possibly need in a daycare! Not only are Mozhdeh and her staff the most loving and caring people for these children, her flexibility in providing part -time childcare is essential to coordinating schedules with my husband and I. Full -time childcare would be absolutely unaffordable for my family, and the flexibility in part -time care is a great service Mozhdeh offers her families. Gentle Care Daycare is the perfect size. Twelve children is an ideal size, because Simon is able to interact and play with a diversity of children. He is never lost at Gentle Care Day care- Mozhdeh and her staff workers provide all the children with plenty of love, care, and attention. If there were less than twelve children, I believe Simon would not receive the same type of rich interaction with his peers. I cannot imagine my family's life without Gentle Care Day Care. My husband and I have never been so pleased and happy with a childcare provider, and it would be a huge interruption in our family's life without her constant and loving childcare provided to our son, her love, and her support. Please consider the effect a zoning law like this might have on the families and children of this lovely day care. If you would like to contact me to answer more questions, my e -mail is nefrethstringham @gmail.com and my number is (703) 851 -8048. Sincerely, � fu Nefret and Noel Stringham Marisa Vrooman & Nate Braeuer 605 Page Street Scottsville, VA 24590 May 21, 2013 Ms. Rebecca Ragsdale Permit Planner Albemarle County Community Development 401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, VA 22902 RE: Gentle Care Daycare's and Mozhdeh Monjezi's county permit Dear Ms. Ragsdale: I write as very concerned parent and long -time resident of Albemarle County. My husband and I are very concerned that the county may force our daycare — Gentle Care Daycare, owned and operated by Mozhdeh Monjezi — to close, causing us great distress and likely costing me much of my employment. My husband and I rely on Ms. Monjezi's services as they are of the highest quality available in our community — and the situation is flexible enabling me to run my own business and work a part -time job. We drive our son 45 minutes from Scottsville each day to be under Ms. Monjezi's care — it is that important to us. It is extremely difficult to find this quality of care in Charlottesville and the surrounding areas. While pregnant, we visited 15 different centers and facilities and were only happy and comfortable with Gentle Care. We waited on the waiting list for several months and were finally accepted when our son was five - months old. It was a veritable gift for our family. Since that time it has only become more evident that we made the right decision. Mozhdeh and her staff are like family members to us. Our son thrives in this environment. He is taught kindness, patience, and social skills with love and true tenderness. I can't imagine sending our son to any other facility — as Gentle Care is like his second home. We have strong relationships with many of the other parents and our children are extremely connected and see each other as extensions of their own families. It would be wrong and irresponsible for Albemarle County to suddenly change Gentle Care's permit — forcing many families out of the situation they rely on most — trustworthy, high - quality, and affordable daycare for their children. I urge you to allow Gentle Care to continue operating as they have for many years under the Commonwealth of Virginia's Department of Social Services. We will not rest if this permit is altered or denied. Please allow us to continue to take our children where we love most. Sincerely, arisa Vrooman Albemarle County resident and since 2008 5/14/2013 To Whom It May Concern, It is our understanding that zoning restrictions have placed a focus on Gentle Care Daycare. We are drafting this letter on Gentle Care's behalf, because there is no other place in Charlottesville which provides the service as Gentle Care. We visited many daycare centers in Charlottesville when looking for our first child and immediately knew Gentle Care was perfect for our family. Gentle Care's and Mozhdeh's love for children and small size was eminent. ( At 6 months pregnant we were placed on Gentle Care's wait list and started paying two months early to hold our spot for our daughter. We knew that our daughter would be, loved, receive one on one attention at 10 weeks old, be provided a safe environment and not be overwhelmed by a large number of infants in one room. Our 17 month old daughter has attended Gentle Care Daycare since she was 10 months old. She is ahead developmentally and we contribute much of her growth to what she is learning at Gentle Care. We feel extremely fortunate to be parents of a child who is able to attend Gentle Care. We are already on the wait list for our second child for the end of 2013 and would not have them go anywhere else in Charlottesville. Any working parents would tell you finding the best care for their child is a priority to returning to work. Please support zoning requirements that provide Gentle Care the ability to provide fantastic care for our children. Albemarle County needs to support centers of Gentle Care's size and statue which provide environments for our children at such a young age where they are not being placed in such large overwhelming centers. Thank you! Addie and Kevin Miller addierose10 @gmail.com 2524143278 YIVERSITY AMIL Ad_ IIIII� DEPARTMENT of PSYCHOIAGY 21 May 2013 Rebecca Ragsdale RE: Gentle Care Day Care center I am writing in reference to the discussion of zoning in Albemarle County for the number of children in a day care facility. Currently, our day care center — Gentle Care Day Care —is licensed for 12 children. We have sent our daughter, Lulu Coan, to Gentle Care for the past year and a half, and intend to send our newest daughter, Veronica Coan, starting in approximately 3 months from now. It is an understatement to say that we've been thrilled with the experience we've had with Gentle Care. Lulu looks forward to going every day. She loves her friends —she sings songs about them in the evenings and on weekends and has had them over for birthday parties. The care she receives at Gentle Care is first rate, and this is apparent to all of our friends, many of whom are hoping to get their own children into Gentle Care. My wife and I are concerned that new zoning regulations will place our childcare experience in jeopardy. It would be tragic for us to have to find a new location for Lulu and Veronica, not only because so few options are currently available, but also because we'd likely wind up losing weekly contact with Lulu's very good friends. For these and other reasons, I urge you to maintain Gentle Care's current ability to care for 12 children, per their current license. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to call (434) 243- 2322 or e -mail atjcoan@virginia.edu.. Sincerely yours, J s Coan, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology and Social Neuroscience Director, Virginia Affective Neuroscience Laboratory Department of Psychology University of Virginia 102 Gilmer Hall • Charlottesville, VA 22904 -4400 • TEL: 434 -243 -2322 • FAX: 434 - 982 -4766 E -mail: jcoan @virginia.edu • http://www.people.virginia.edu/—jae3zt/ Michaux Hood 1506 Monticello Road Chralottesville, VA 22902 May 16, 2013 To Whom it May Concern, Our daughter Corrina Hood attends Gentlecare Daycare. We are thrilled with the quality of care that Corrina receives from Mozhdeh Monjezi and her staff. When we started our search for child care we found it difficult to find part time child care near our home. My parents watch Corrina two days a week as a financial help for us and so that Corrina can spend time with her extended family. However they are notable to watch Corrina everyday and as my husband and I both work we need a part time child care provider. In searching for options we found either expensive choices (having a nanny in the home) or options that did not work with our schedule. Gentlecare provides part time options that are hard to find elsewhere that have made part time care work for our family. We also appreciate the size of the center. We find that Corrina benefits emotionally and developmentally from being in a mixed age small group setting. This is one of the things that we also particularly searched for in a child care provider. We find that the number and ages of the children at Gentlecare creates a dynamic atmosphere for Corrina, rather than being one on one or one of a few children with a nanny, or in a large group of same aged children in a daycare center. We find the size of Gentlecare to be perfect for us as Corrina benefits from the social atmosphere while she still receives a great deal of individualized care from Mozdeh and her attentive staff. Sincerely, Michaux Hood Rebecca Gibson 107 Raymond Ave. Charlottesville, Va 22903 To Whom It May Concern: Re: Albemarle County Family Day Home Zoning Ordinance I am a working mother of two young children in Charlottesville, Virginia. Both of my children have been attending Gentle Care Daycare since shortly after they were born. I began looking for a daycare provider when I was pregnant with my first child. I knew I would be returning to work full time after my maternity leave and it was important that I know I had. care for my child in place before officially becoming a mom. My husband and I visited many different providers, most of which had larger facilities. We knew right away that these larger scale providers weren't the right match. I wanted my son in a smaller "in home" environment. After hearing a glowing review of Gentle Care from a co- worker I was excited to learn there was a spot available for my son. Once meeting Mozhdeh Monjezi and seeing what Gentle Care had to offer our family I secured our spot right away. I have loved watching my son grow and learn at Gentle Care. The size and number of children attending is perfect. My son has the "at home" feel being in Mozhdeh's home along with the socialization and learning of a pre- school. My son has meaningful interactions with adults, toddlers and infants. I love being able to talk with Mozhdeh each morning and afternoon about my child during drop off and pick up. I know at larger facilities having one on one interaction with the director each day isn't possible. At Gentle Care, it is. When I became pregnant with my second child, my husband and I were faced with the dilemma of finding affordable childcare for two children and on a part time basis since we decided I would stay home the majority of the week. We were so fortunate that Gentle Care provides flexible /part -time hours and following my second maternity leave I was able to arrange to have both my sons at Gentle Care two days a week. This would not have been possible at other facilities in the Charlottesville area. Mozhdeh and her staff have created the most nurturing environment that provides my children with opportunities to grow and learn. I wish my sons could stay at Gentle Care well past the age of 5, but I know the time will come when they move on. I take comfort in knowing they will be successful life long learners because of the strong foundation they have. Gentle Care Daycare is an integral part of our family and the care it provides my two children is critical to their development and well being while both my husband and I work outside of the home. Sincerely, -fk& . C Rebecca Gibson To Whom It May Concern, This letter is intended to wholeheartedly support Mozhdeh Monjezi, owner of Gentlecare Daycare, in the zoning discussion. Our almost - three - year -old son has attended Gentlecare Daycare for two years, and it is because of Mozhdeh that I have been able to run a successful business and feel confident that my child is in good, loving hands while I work. I work in real estate so have a very unpredictable schedule and can assure you there is a need for a daycare like Gentlecare that allows flexibility in the parents' schedule. Mozhdeh graciously allows parents to split days with other parents, sign up for as little as one day a week as needed, and allows parents like myself to drop off and pick up at any time during the day. There are very few places like this in Charlottesville, none that I could find. I searched for a caring place for my son to attend for nearly a year without success before I was fortunate to get off the waitlist at Gentlecare through a friend. Meanwhile, we recently had our second son and are so thankful for Mozhdeh yet again to take him in the fall for three days a week for him to join our older son in this intimate, family - friendly environment. I could go on and on about how wonderful the set -up is there with Mozhdeh, Katie and Laura. Our son talks about "school" all of the time and we enjoy reading about (and now hearing about!) their activities each day. A UVA grad myself, with a preschool teacher for a mother, our family has been incredibly impressed with the tight operation and level of activities that our son has experienced at Gentlecare Daycare. Please feel free to call me at 434 - 249 -3199 to discuss further. Thank you. Best, Karen Ball May 12, 2013 Dear Albemarle County Zoning Committee, I am writing on behalf of Mozhdeh Monjezi and Gentle Care Daycare. We have been extremely lucky to have Mozhdeh and her staff take care of both of our sons for the last few years. It is a hard thing, as a parent, to give your child to a stranger and have him /her take care of your baby, but Mozhdeh and her staff are wonderful. We could not be happier with the care that both of our kids have received or are still receiving there. We first got a spot in her daycare in 2010 when my older son was 1 years old. We started looking for daycare before our first son was born. During our search, we found it amazing the lack of quality daycare that was available in Charlottesville. Two of the daycares we looked at had at least a year -long waitlist for the infant /toddler room. We submitted applications (prior to knowing when our son would be born) and put ourselves on waitlists but did not hear back from either place until our son was at least 9 months old. Through our friends, we heard about Gentle Care Daycare. Immediately, Mozhdeh welcomed us into her home where we were met with happy, well- mannered children. We liked the atmosphere, Mozhdeh's warmth and the fact that there were kids of many ages all interacting together. When we found out that we were having a second baby, we informed Mozhdeh right away so we could be on the waitlist. We did not want and did not consider having anyone else take care of our baby. Fortunately, a spot opened up when we needed to start care and my 20 month old is currently still there. Mozhdeh and her staff, Kati and Laura, do an amazing job of taking care of all the kids, really catering to each child's needs and helping them grow. I support Mozhdeh and Gentle Daycare and the need for quality in -home daycares in Charlottesville. It is truly a home away from home and the love and support the kids receive there cannot be compared. There is a great need for quality, trust - worthy daycare in Charlottesville and Gentle Care Daycare is one of them. Sincerely, Kawai & Riki Tanabe May 14, 2013 To Whom It May Concern: My husband and I are working parents who, out of necessity, send our infant son to Gentle Care Daycare on a daily basis. Making the decision to enroll our child in daycare, and the subsequent search for a suitable, quality provider was a difficult and time consuming process. We heard about Gentle Care from our friends /co- workers, and when we toured the facility and met the owner, the decision to enroll our son was clear. He has been going there for about nine months now and has truly thrived. I write this letter to emphasize the importance of Gentle Care Daycare to our family, and to our community. It would create hardship for us and for most if not all the other families whose children are enrolled there if the licensing for 12 children was not granted by the County of Albemarle. I humbly ask you to please do everything in your power to keep families like mine from the undue emotional and financial stress of beginning a new search for childcare, or possibly being pushed out of the workforce altogether. Sincerely, Crystal Matthews Bristow Phone: (434) 962 -7943 May 11, 2013 Mozhdeh Monjezi Gentle Care Day Care 1658 Old Brook Rd. Charlottesville, VA 22901 Dear Mozhdeh: We write in support of Gentle Care Day Care. Our daughter's favorite story these days is The Three Bears. If Goldilocks were looking for a day care provider, Gentle Car would be just right. In early winter of 2011, we began looking around at day care providers for our daughter to attend in the coming fall. Gentle Care was recommended by several friends and colleagues, who spoke highly of its warm and loving atmosphere. When we visited, we saw that Gentle Care was exactly what we were looking for: large enough to provide enriching activities and lots of engagement with other babies and toddlers, but small enough to provide a home -like atmosphere. Our daughter, Wallis, has been attending Gentle Care two days a week since September 2011. Gentle Care has lived up to our expectations. At almost 2 years old, Wallis has made several friends, whom she talks about when she is home. Because she is at home alone with her grandmother for the rest of the week, Gentle Care is her best opportunity to learn social skills. Because of its size and the skill of the professionals working there, Gentle Care offers activities that would be unlikely to be provided in most home day care settings. Wallis comes home having learned new songs, signs, and skills. She also gets to participate in art projects and is exposed to books on a regular basis. We especially like the fact that the children are encouraged to play outside every day, weather permitting. Gentle Care is able to offer us lots of flexibility. Wallis is able to attend for a partial week (an arrangement that is hard to find), and Mozhdeh is able to add or switch days for us if we give her enough notice. This flexibility enables us both to work full time, keep costs down, and take advantage of a nearby grandmother who is willing to provide part -time child care. Gentle Care is not too big or too small. Gentle Care is just right. Our community needs more providers like Gentle Care: affordable, flexible, enriching, and loving. Please share this letter of support with anyone who needs to read it. Sincerely, A C t U Angela Ciolfi & Jeff Barr 434 - 882 -3792 1413 Early Street Charlottesville, VA 22902 5/15/2013 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN We are writing in strong support of Gentlecare Day Care being able to care for at least twelve children. We have two children and full time jobs and quality child care is an absolute essential part of our life. We started my oldest daughter, Hallie, at Gentlecare when she was eleven months old after a long and extensive search for the best care possible. She attended and thrived in the stimulating and healthy environment that Mohzdeh Monjezi creates for the children. Hallie attended until she was almost three years old at which time she was ready for preschool. With my second daughter, Etta, we made the mistake of starting her at a different child care due to the convenience of the location. I terminated her enrollment at this other center when�she was twelve months old due to multiple problems with this licensed child care center. We contacted Ms.Monjezi last fall when we were in desperate need of care and she was able to find a spot for Etta one day a week. Over the past eight months we have been on a waiting list and she. has slowly been able to offer us more days of care for Etta. I have had to find babysitters and friends to fill in our daycare needs in the meantime. Finally, next month, Etta will be able to attend Gentlecare full time and we are so relieved. Ms. Monjezi and her employees are providing such wonderful care and nutrition to the children that it would be a huge loss for so many children and their families. This is the best child care in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Allowing Gentlecare to care for the maximum number of children as is permitted by their license will benefit our community. Children are our future so I believe Gentlecare is providing an important service and investment in our community as a whole. Thank you for your consideration of this very important matter. Please feel free to contact us at 434 - 923 -0106 if you need more information. Sincerely, Teri W. Lamb Aaron L. Lamb �sweet ',' haus May 20, 2013 Albemarle County Zoning Board 401 McIntyre Road Charlottesville, VA 22902 To Whom It May Concern, Our family has relied on the wonderful care provided by Mozhdeh Monjezi of Gentle Care Daycare for over 3 years since our daughter, Vivienne, was 12 weeks old. As a first time mother, the prospect of going back to work so soon after the birth of our child was quite daunting. Gentle Care had been recommended to us by several mothers, all of whom had highlighted Mozhdeh's wonderful love of children as well as an incredible level of flexibility with scheduling. From the moment we visited her daycare when I was 6 months pregnant, I knew it was the place for us. Her daycare is immaculate, happy, safe and most importantly is staffed with caregivers who treat the children as their own, rather than just placeholders. Over the past 2 years, our family has started a local business and undergone an expansion as well. Mozhdeh has offered extra assistance to my family, and has served as a constant support for Vivienne during times of change that can often cause emotional disruptions in toddlerhood. Although we have to drive 12 miles roundtrip every day to get to Gentle Care, we wouldn't consider sending Vivienne anywhere else. In fact, we've been so impressed by her preschool curriculum that we have decided to keep our daughter in her care for another year. Mozhdeh's love, care and respect for Vivienne has proven to be one of the most comforting parts of being a full -time working mother and business owner. If Vivienne can't be in my care, I don't want her anywhere but in Mozhdeh's care at Gentle Care. Our family, especially Vivienne, would be devastated if she weren't able to continue her idyllic days in Mozdeh's care, surrounded by familiar faces, caregivers and children that bring her so much joy every day. I sincerely hope you will reconsider creating zoning changes that would disrupt the lives of all the happy families from Gentle Care Daycare. Sincerely yours, VA,,-,- �L-o Tara & Billy Koenig Owners, Sweethaus Cupcake Cafe 843 west Main Street t: 646.932.7247 e;: info(@sweethaus.com