Update on Property

Families,

A quick update to let you know what's unfolded in the last week, as I've sat crunching numbers and running P&L reports and putting phone calls in.

We returned to the property off Parmer for a closer look last Friday. As of right now, it's not looking promising. We did our own measuring of the rooms that can be used as classrooms and the number licensing has as capacity (40 children) is misleading. They must have calculated the front 'lobby' area as usable space, which it CAN be, but not as an environment that can be set up as a classroom, which means enrollment numbers would be less. After our calculations, the capacity we show is 25 children (using licensing's 35 sq ft per child, which I strongly feel is still too low, it should be 45-50sq ft per child, but that's another story). The rate they're asking for (with projections of 25 children) is not a viable option for my program. My husband has issues with the property in addition to the rental amount.

Another big contention is the fact that the upstairs of the property now has a tenant in it. It's apparently considered an "apartment" and the current tenant just moved in this month (signed a year lease), after it being empty for over 2 years. I've put in calls to my licensing rep, and also to the current childcare provider's licensing rep to see if this is allowable with a childcare facility below, and according to the current program's rep, apparently it may be allowable since they have made it inaccessible between the two 'suites'. They will just need to verify.

The lack of professionalism we have seen with the 'broker' for the landlord (who we have yet to meet), makes us feel uneasy, in addition to the lack of upkeep of the property. It's an adorable house, just not maintained, and IMO, that is something the landlord should be doing, if not at least keeping an eye on. We may consider putting in an offer of a reduced rental rate along with conditions. Many conditions.

Tomorrow, my husband, realtor, and I are meeting with an investment company that owns a house off 620. We met with them this summer, however, when they realized how much it would cost to upgrade to a commercial septic system, they decided it was too expensive. It's currently on residential septic and the dept of health will not give an childcare operating permit if it's on residential septic.  The house still sits empty 6 months later (it's situated in a very strange place, but the house and the landscaping around it, is so very lush). They have agreed to revisit and discuss.

Wish us luck tomorrow! Terra Luz needs a home.