West Hills Montessori has a new home. After months of deliberations, the Town Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) approved the modification of a permit to allow West Hills Day Camp on Sweet Hollow Road to use its existing property for the Montessori school.
According to Jim Matthews, attorney for the BZA, a written approval will be filed next week by the board.
"The school will have a student limit of 75 due to concerns over traffic volume," Matthews said. "Edward and Kevin Gersh, the owners of the property, have a right to come back and request an increase, but they would have to wait one year in doing so."
The Gershs said they are very excited about that they have gained permission to operate the Montessori school, a private school for 18-month-old toddlers through six-graders, at their property on Sweet Hollow Road.
"The Montessori school will run 12 months throughout the year and the children will have summer amenities all year round because of the day camp," Kevin Gersh said. "We have a fishing pond, seven swimming pools, playground areas and nature trails. This will all be utilized to enhance the life of the children."
Matthews explained the only issue that is up in the air at this time is about the berm, which is a mound that is used to reduce surface runoff.
"The BZA is not sure when or if this will be approved and we would need an engineer to evaluate this," Matthews said. "Some Huntington residents are not for this and are concerned about the natural flow of water during run-off."
Regardless of the berm, the Montessori school is set to open session this coming September.
"The kids will also have a rope course, a wall to climb and they will have fun as they learn," Kevin Gersh said. "The Montessori School will also serve kids with special needs. These children will have a powerful education."
