Plans for daycare in Hermosa

Good things are on the horizon for the growing Town of Hermosa, as is evidenced through establishment of new businesses and neighborhoods and a general buzz of activity around the town. From the museum re-opening earlier this year, to the second successful Hermosa Huckster, to the packed Hermosa Coffee House, full of both familiar and new faces, many say it has been a good year to be in Hermosa.
Hermosa Connects Inc. (HCI) and Hermosa-Area Growth and Development Inc. (HAGD) are at the forefront of cultivating this growth, promoting local businesses and renewing a sense of community through social and charitable activities and events.
But a growing economy and growing population also lead to growing needs in the community, and Ali Van Sambeek, with Hermosa Connects Inc., conducted a poll in the area which revealed a need for local childcare.
On Nov. 4, Hermosa-Area Growth and Development met for a planning meeting and deed-signing to accept conditional ownership of two lots of land donated by Jerry and Kathy Styles, to be used by HAGD for a daycare center, as well as other purposes consistent with HAGD’s stated mission to “initiate and support activities leading to increased economic vitality and community friendliness and involvement.”
At this point, the plan is to establish a facility for up to 80 children, from age 6-months to middle-school-age, with a schedule that would specifically accommodate the needs of the local area. There is intent to develop an architectural and structural plan for this facility within nine months. More information will be forthcoming.
In addition to the daycare, a multi-purpose rental facility is also being considered, which would benefit the daycare, school and local residents.
“The multi-purpose rental-space facility is envisioned as a facility that rents or leases space to possible retail concerns, service providers, and organizations,” said Leo Van Sambeek, an area resident and a director of both HAGD and HCI, and he mentioned heathcare facilities such as physical therapy and occupational therapy offices and tele-medicine, as well as rental space for crafter co-ops or accountants, to name a few of the possibilities that are being considered.
Plans for the daycare and rental space will continue to develop as meetings continue.