5.2. PCSR 04-23-2021 Request for Action
Cir•ci
Elk -
River=
To Item Number
Planning Commission 5.2
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Public Hearings April 27, 2021 Chris Leeseberg, Senior Planner
Item Description Reviewed by
CSDC Facilities Corporation— 17267 Yale St. Zack Carlton,Planning Manager
NW,Amend Conditional Use Permit CU 20-08 Reviewed by
to expand an approved Educational Use With
Additional Classrooms at Three Rivers
Montessori, CU 21-06
Action Requested
Recommend,by motion, approval of the Conditional Use Permit with
the following conditions to satisfy the standards set forth in Section
30-654: delete these examples-these conditions need to satisfy the standards set
forth in section 30-654
1. The building shall be inspected by the city building official and - -
fire marshal to verify compliance with all building and fire CR 33
codes and identified violations must be addressed prior to
issuance of new building permits for the property.
2. No vehicles associated with the school may e parked arked or z
queued in the city right-of-way or on a public street. - - RR
3. A 7-foot-tall opaque fence be installed across the entire
property 15 feet off the southern property line. -.. Hwy 10`,.
4. An amendment to this Conditional Use Permit will be required - CR 12
for future expansions/additions not shown on the site plan
dated April 27, 2021.
Background/Discussion �p
The property is zoned Planned Unit Development (PUD) where
Educational Institutions require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The %9
applicant is seeking to amend their CUP (CU 20-08) to expand their
operation of a Montessori School into the lower floor of the existing Figure i
structure located on the parcel.
Transportation
The school anticipates an enrollment increase to 175-students with approximately 40%using bus service and the
other 60% coming and going by car. Based on the listed percentages, approximately 105-students will come and
go by car. The school estimates there are 1.5-students per car,which equates to approximately 70-cars at pickup
and drop-off times.
The Elk River Vision P I I E R E I I Y
A nrelcoming community avith revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional INAWR
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity. Updated.August 2020
In the morning, buses will arrive in a 5-minute window between 8:00 a.m. — 8:05 a.m. with cars between 8:00 a.m.-
8:30 a.m. In the afternoon,buses will arrive in a 5-minute window between 2:30 p.m. —2:35 a.m. with cars
between 2:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Hours of Operation
Morning Care 6:30-8:00; Regular School Hours 8:00-2:30;After Care 2:30-6:00
Number of Employees
They will have approximately 20-25 staff, along with 3-4 volunteers possible during the day.
Parking
Public elementary schools, junior high school, or similar private schools require two parking spaces for each
classroom. The proposed plans show seven classrooms requiring 14 parking stalls. There site offers 41 parking
stalls, 24 on the upper level and 17 on the lower level.
Public Notice
Staff received three emails (attached) from neighboring businesses outlining issues they have experienced since the
school began operations. The two main issues are the level of noise the students make while utilizing the play area
and objects being throw over the fence, either accidentally or on purpose. They suggested a taller solid fence and
possibly moving the fence further from the property line. It was also suggested a playground be installed closer to
the school building.
The applicant indicated if screening/fencing becomes a condition,would it be possible to screen with coniferous
trees along the existing fence and property line? This would create a natural screen and height barrier,would
preserve critical play space (rather than 15 ft. setback) and would be more cost effective than a 7ft. opaque fence
that would likely require ongoing maintenance.
Applicable Regulations
In approving a Conditional Use Permit,the council may impose such specific conditions with regard to the
development or operation of the proposed use as it considers necessary to satisfy the seven standards set forth in
Section 30-654 and the requirements contained in this article and to promote compatibility with and minimize any
potentially adverse effects upon adjacent properties, the neighborhood or the city.
The issuance of a Conditional Use Permit can be ordered only if the use at the proposed location:
7. mill not endanger, injure or detrimentally affect the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity or the public
health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience orgeneral n elfare of the neighborhood or the city.
With the current operation,the use has been affecting the use and enjoyment of other properties in the
immediate vicinity. The level of noise the students make while utilizing the play area has been obtrusive
to the neighboring property. There have been several incidents of objects being thrown over the fence,
either accidentally or on purpose. The neighboring businesses are concerned for the safety of employees
and customers as well as property damage.
Staff recommends a 7-foot-tall opaque fence be installed across the entire south property line with a
setback of 15-feet to establish a visual buffer and reduce conflicts with objects going over the fence.
2. mill be consistent with the comprehensive plan.
The use will be consistent with the comprehensive plan.
Staff does not see a need to impose specific conditions to satisfy this standard.
3. mill not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding vacant property.
All adjacent properties are developed and the use will not impede the normal and orderly development
and improvement of surrounding vacant property.
Staff does not see a need to impose specific conditions to satisfy this standard.
4. mill be served adequately by and will not adversely affect essential public facilities and services including streets,police and fare
protection, drainage, refuse disposal, water and sewer systems,parks and schools;and will not, in particular, create traffic
congestion or interference with traffic on adjacent and neighboring public thoroughfares.
The use will be served adequately by and will not adversely affect essential public facilities and services
including streets,police and fire protection,drainage, refuse disposal,water and sewer systems,parks and
schools; and will not,in particular, create traffic congestion or interference with traffic on adjacent and
neighboring public thoroughfares.
Staff does not see a need to impose specific conditions to satisfy this standard.
5. mill not involve uses, activities,processes, materials, equipment and conditions of operation that will be detrimental to any
persons or property because of excessive traffic, noise, smoke,fumes,glare, odors, dust or vibrations.
With the current operation,the use has been detrimental to neighboring properties. The level of noise the
students make while utilizing the play area apparently has been obtrusive to the neighboring property.
There have been several incidents of objects being thrown over the fence, either accidentally or on
purpose. The neighboring businesses are concerned for the safety of employees and customers as well as
property damage.
Staff recommends a 7-foot-tall opaque fence be installed across the entire property 15 feet off the
southern property line.
A concern with schools is possible excessive traffic and parking. The applicant has shown how they will
accommodate parking and where drop off/pick up vehicles will be queued on site. The site meets the
parking requirements of the ordinance.
6. mill not result in the destruction, loss or damage of a natural, scenic or historic feature of major importance.
The use will not result in the destruction,loss or damage of a natural, scenic or historic feature of major
importance.
Staff does not see a need to impose specific conditions to satisfy this standard.
7. mill fully coVynvitb all other requirements of this Code, including any applicable requirements and standards for the
issuance of a license or permit to establish and operate the proposed use in the city.
The use will fully comply with all other requirements of this Code,including any applicable requirements
and standards for the issuance of a license or permit to establish and operate the proposed use in the city.
Staff does not see a need to impose specific conditions to satisfy this standard.
If denial of such a permit should occur,it shall accompany recommendations or determinations by findings or a
report stating how the proposed use does not comply with the standards set forth in Section 30-654.
Financial Impact
None
Mission/Policy/Goal
■ Responsibly grow
■ Meet changing needs -Agile
■ Ethical, efficient, and responsible
■ Work with citizens to achieve goals
■ Help, not hinder citizen quality of life
Attachments
■ Location Map
■ Applicant's Narrative
■ Site Plans
■ Architectural Plans/Elevations
■ Emails
75'679:0110 Tl1ree Rivers Montessori Scl-1001 Conditional Use Permit Case No: CU 21-06 E� River
Three Rivers Montessori Project Narrative
March 29, 2021
Detailed Description/Scope of Project
The proposed project involves the renovation and reuse of the lower level of an existing multi-use
school and office building at 17267 Yale St. NW. The property is currently owned by CSDC Facilities
Corporation and leased to Three Rivers Montessori School. On May 20, 2020 CSDC Facilities Corporation
and Three Rivers Montessori received a Conditional Use Permit to occupy the upper level of the existing
building for use as a K-8 public charter school. The school currently serves K-6th grade in the 2020-2021
school year. An amendment to the CUP is required for future expansions/additions not shown on the
site plan dated May 18, 2020.
The newly proposed project calls for the rehabilitation of the lower level of the existing building,
formerly occupied by commercial entities, to accommodate increased enrollment and family demand
for the Three Rivers Montessori program. The rehabilitation consists primarily of interior renovations of
the existing building with limited changes to the site, except for an additional stair, entry, and sidewalk
for egress and accessibility, as well as the removal of the exterior overhang and associated curbs to
better improve student drop off and pick up operations.
Once completed, the remodeled building will serve approximately 175 students in grades Pre-K through
Grade 8 to start the 2021-2022 school year.
About Three River Montessori
The Montessori method is focused on educating the whole being. Three Rivers Montessori organizes its
work by providing educational experiences for the head, heart, and hands. This means that at every
level Three Rivers Montessori is cultivating curiosity and offering high-quality academics (head),
fostering healthy social/emotional interactions (heart), and providing work that is experiential and
hands-on (hands). As a result of its philosophy, Three Rivers Montessori seeks to become recognized for
academic excellence with a deep focus on environmental and earth sciences.
Research indicates students require different approaches to learning in our constantly evolving world.
There is a great need for our community to come together to create a school that will ensure future
generations are taught to be creative, independent, critical thinkers who possess an intrinsic love of
learning. Montessori education has incredible results and has produced some of the most successful
entrepreneurs and great leaders of our times: Jeff Bezos, Founder of Amazon; Larry Page and Sergey
Brin, Founders of Google; Steve Wozniak, Co-founder of Apple; Mark Zuckerberg, Founder of Facebook;
Anne Frank; Julia Childs; Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs’; Prince Harry and Prince William, and many more.
Transportation Narrative
The school anticipates an enrollment of 175-students with approximately 40% using provided bus
service and the other 60% coming and going by car. Based on the listed percentages, approximately 70-
students would be bused. TRM is providing bus staging utilizing two full-sized (35-students) buses and a
smaller bus (17- students). Assuming approximately 60% arrive by car, this leads to approximately 105-
students. Typically given family enrollments, there are 1.5-students per car, which equates to
approximately 70-car “transactions'' at pickup and drop-off times.
The two critical times for school transportation planning are the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-
up. The attached diagrams show the proposed staging for each critical time period and how the above
noted staging is accomplished.
Morning Drop-off (a.m.)
Due to the naturally staggered timing of morning drop-offs, this time period is much less demanding on
a site. Buses arrive and drop-off students in a 5-minute window between 8:00am – 8:05am. Cars have a
much longer 30-minute drop-off window between 8:00am – 8:30am. Both cars and buses will use the
drop-off lane adjacent to the building and only cars will use the lane closest to Yale. The former canopy
and associated curbs are being removed to better facilitate the drop off and pick up operations. Given
the naturally staggered drop-offs, the longer car drop-off window, and the ability for cars to use multiple
lanes for drop-off, it is anticipated that all vehicles will be “stored” on-site and we do not anticipate any
vehicles staging on Yale Street.
Afternoon Pick-up (p.m.)
In the afternoon, staged buses will be parked in the drive aisle closest to the building. Bus loading and
dismissal occurs in a fairly short 5-minute window between 2:30 pm – 2:35 pm. Once loaded, buses will
have the right-of- way over the staged cars with the monitoring and coordination of school staff.
Cars have a much longer 30-minute pick-up window between 2:30pm – 3:00pm. Initially, cars will only
stage in the drive lane closest to Yale Street, as shown in the attached diagram. While buses are staged
and filling, cars will be allowed to load and exit the site from the lane nearest Yale. Additional cars may
also stage in the entrance drive to the lower lot. Once buses have departed the site, cars will also be
allowed to use the lane closest to the school. Using both lanes will allow for 20-cars to stage
simultaneously. Given the naturally staggered pick-ups, the longer car pick-up window, and the ability
for cars to use multiple lanes for pick-up once buses depart, it is anticipated that all vehicles will be
“stored” on-site and we do not anticipate any vehicles staging on Yale Street.
How is the request consistent with the City of Elk River Comprehensive Plan?
Similar to the time of the original Conditional Use Permit approval, Three Rivers Montessori will be the
only Public Elementary Montessori school in the Elk River School District and will serve students in the
Elk River and surrounding communities.
Hours of Operation:
Morning Care 6:30-8:00; Regular School Hours 8:00-2:30; After Care 2:30-6:00
Number of Employees:
Approximately 20-25 staff, along with 3-4 volunteers possible during the day.
Number of parking stalls, existing and additional:
There site offers 24 parking stalls on the upper level and 17 stalls on the lower parking lot
Is there a proposed screening of the site?
No
Proposed building material:
The building will largely remain the same, with primarily interior renovations. The drive canopy will be
removed with the exterior finishes to match the existing metal roof, EIFS, precast sill, and brick. The
retaining wall to accommodate the new egress entry will be CMU block. The proposed materials will be
complementary and aligned to the existing building and comply with standards for public charter
schools.
Signage – (at the time of installation, a separate permit is required for each sign):
The project will remove existing commercial signage on the exterior of the building. Additional school
signage is not proposed at this time.
Is there outdoor storage?
No
UP
UP
Wall Types
5A 2X4 WOOD STUD WALL TO
STRUCTURE
ROOF OR FLOOR
STRUCTURE
BATT INSULATION
5/8" GYP.BD. EA. SIDE
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5B OMIT BATT
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2 X 4 WOOD STUDS
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7A 2X6 WOOD STUD WALL TO
STRUCTURE
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STRUCTURE
SOUND BATT INSULATION
5/8" GYP.BD. EA. SIDE
BASE -SEE SCHEDULE
2 X 6 WOOD STUDS
@16" O.C.
NOTE: ALL WALLS SHALL BE BUILT TO STRUCTURE ABOVE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
4 3/4"6 3/4"
SECTION
@ FLOOR
PLAN
VIEW
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@ HEAD
CLG WHERE
APPLICABLE; SEE RCP
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@ HEAD
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STUD TOP PLATES
CLG WHERE
APPLICABLE; SEE RCP
A5.1 1
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Classroom
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Classroom
106
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Serv. Kitch.
107
30'-10 3/16"
1 6 '-1 "1 1 '-2 "Elevator
Elev. Equip.
Lobby
110
Corridor
111
Corridor
112
Vestibule
101
95 SF
Office
115
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Server
113
Mech/Elec
123
Toilet
153
Hallway
156
Vestibule
151
924 SF
Classroom
176
186 SF
SPED
177 762 SF
Classroom
178
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A2.1
Floor Plans
17267 Yale St.
Elk River, MN.
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Checker
Three
Rivers
Montessori
A2.2
Roof Plan
17267 Yale St.
Elk River, MN.
1/8" = 1'-0"
1 Roof Plan
Roof Plan General Notes
1. Tapered roof insulation shall slope at 1/4" per 1'-0" min. The thickness of the base
insulation is to be 6".
2. Provide crickets at minimum 1/8" per 1'-0" slope as required for positive drainage at all
mechanical openings and curbs.
3. Shop drawing design and installation of tapered insulation must account for camber in
structure to ensure that the roof will drain as designed.
4. Flashing of all roof penetrations, equipment curbs and roofing materials installation to
follow manufacturers recommendations.
5. Coordinate roof and overflow drain locations with structural components to avoid
installation over beams or joists.
6. All Mechanical and Electrical rooftop equipment, piping, conduit, etc. to be painted. All
M&E items on roof plan are for reference only. Refer to consultant drawings for size,
location and extent of equipment.
7. Provide and install a 4'-0" x 4'-0" concrete paver landing at all roof ladders, top and
bottom.
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100'-0"
Roof
110'-0"
PREFINISHED METAL PARAPET FLASHING
EIFS - MATCH EXISTING
BRICK - MATCH EXISTING
PRECAST SILL - MATCH EXISTING
RETAINING WALL
PREFINISHED METAL SCUPPER AND DOWNSPOUT
GUARDRAIL, AS REQUIRED
T.O. Parapet
111'-4"
Level 1
100'-0"
Roof
110'-0"
Lower Level
90'-0"
PREFINISHED METAL PARAPET FLASHING
EIFS - MATCH EXISTING
BRICK - MATCH EXISTING
PRECAST SILL - MATCH EXISTING
RETAINING WALL
T.O. Parapet
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Author
Checker
Three
Rivers
Montessori
A5.1
Exterior
Elevations
17267 Yale St.
Elk River, MN.
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2 Northwest Elevation
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1 East Elevation
1
Leeseberg, Chris
To:Carlton, Zachary
Subject:RE: Letter regarding Three Rivers Montessori
From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 4:59 PM
To: Carlton, Zachary <zcarlton@ElkRiverMN.gov>
Subject: Letter regarding Three Rivers Montessori
It is my understanding that Three Rivers Montessori is further applying for a conditional use permit due to expansion.
I would like to clarify, we are for this positive business and welcome them to the community.
With this growth of Three Rivers Montessori, it has created challenges. We have a business that neighbors the property
line at 17205 Yale Street. The current low chain link fence is very close to our building and parking lot. We believe this
has impacted our business with challenges that should be addressed. In our parking lot, we have seen chunks of broken
concrete tossed over, sand filled pop/soda bottles and rocks that could provide damage to vehicles in our lot. In the
patio area, we have witnessed frisbees and footballs thrown near or over us, as well as made contact with vehicles.
We do utilize our outdoor space as well. The noise is to a point we can’t hold conversations when the Montessori is
using the outdoor space, as well as distractions of friendly kids walking up to the fence to say hi and ask our names.
When indoors with our windows and doors closed, the sound of kids yelling and making all of the high pitched sounds
kids do, the person on the other end of the phone call can hear this at times.
I am not against having an outdoor play area for kids to burn off energy. I understand kids will be kids. We do feel it is
necessary to push the fence line further back from the property line and replacing with a solid fence or other measures
to block sound over into our space. We also feel the height of the fence should be a minimum of 8 feet to reduce the risk
of things being thrown over causing damage to vehicles and potentially a person and hope this height would also block
sound.
We are concerned for safety, noticing several times a child trying to squeeze under the bendable chain link fence in a
low spot, right next to a highway.
As these challenges have been prevalent and should be addressed, we are even more concerned about additional kids
and the frequency of utilizing the outdoor space under the current conditions. We appreciate the city and Three Rivers
Montessori finding the solution incorporating our thoughts.
Thanks,
Ryan Wipf
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
1
Leeseberg, Chris
To:Carlton, Zachary
Subject:RE: Neighboring Business
From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 6:48 PM
To: Carlton, Zachary <zcarlton@ElkRiverMN.gov>
Subject: Neighboring Business
To Whom It May Concern,
We would like to express our increasing concern over playground time at Three Rivers Montessori school. I am writing
on behalf of two other office personnel that have also witnessed, on several occasions, items being thrown over the
chain link fence that borders our office building. Clearly the noise level has increased in the business park since the
school has opened. We want to be able to work with the school but also have a professional business to run. We have
seen some very close calls with items coming in close contact with our cars in the parking lot in front of our places of
business. We would hate to see any vehicle damaged, or worse, a person using the outside patio space by our office, or
someone entering/exiting our business.
We have experienced the children trying to interact with our clients when we are using the patio space for private
business discussions. We understand the pent up energy the kids are needing to burn off and encourage the time for
them to run on the playground. However, we need to protect the kids and their needs but balance out with our
business needs as well.
We’d love to see an actual playground structure built for these active kids that would keep them busy, and hopefully
kept closer to the school proximity which would immensely help alleviate some of the noise that is close to our
professional buildings conducting business daily. A taller, solid fence would help block the noise, objects being thrown
or the ball that accidentally escapes the little hands intended to receive it. Large evergreen trees planted along the
fence line would be more aesthetically pleasing to all and a happy “fix” for all of us.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions regarding this manner.
Kimberly H Fitzgerald
1
Leeseberg, Chris
To:Carlton, Zachary
Subject:RE: Three Rivers Montessori School Conditional Use Permit - YALE ST
From: Carlton, Zachary <zcarlton@ElkRiverMN.gov>
Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2021 8:02 AM
To: Leeseberg, Chris <CLeeseberg@ElkRiverMN.gov>
Subject: FW: Three Rivers Montessori School Conditional Use Permit ‐ YALE ST
From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 5:43 PM
To: Carlton, Zachary <zcarlton@ElkRiverMN.gov>
Subject: Three Rivers Montessori School Conditional Use Permit ‐ YALE ST
Hello Zach,
My office is located at 17205 Yale ST. STE E. My office looks directly at the playground and the school. We are so happy
for the school and business in Elk River. We have concerns with the playground. I watched a child pick up some
concrete and throw it at my window (while I stood looking out of the window). There have been debris thrown into the
parking lot and the grass of our location as well.
I have photos for perspective. In a photo I show a cinder block on their playground. In another I show the concrete
thrown at my window.
The volume/noise from the children at play is quite loud. The noise is apparent while I am in meetings in my office.
I would love to see a higher and solid fence to prevent the temptation to throw objects at our building and possible cars
in the paring lot. Also, the sound would lessen.
I do hope they continue to thrive and accommodate for the above. Thank you for your time.
2
3
Cheers!
Molly
Delivering a Remarkable Experience…Every Step of the Way!
Molly Nadeau-Peterson
Branch Manager
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From:Rose Bringus
To:Sean Elder
Cc:Leeseberg, Chris
Subject:Re: FW: Neighboring Business
Date:Thursday, April 22, 2021 2:54:33 PM
Dear Chris:
Three Rivers Montessori is committed to serving the Elk River area with an authentic
Montessori program that meets the needs of individual children. We do this by providing
manipulatives in the classroom that appeal to children’s senses while allowing for freedom
of movement and exploration both indoors and out.
TRM is currently supported by our current school community of 83 students and their
families. The school plans to double in size for the 2021-2022 school year and has
approximately 150 students enrolled at this time. We are excited to continue to serve the
families in our community by providing a free Montessori experience.
Montessori programs are strongly rooted in respect of others and the environment. Staff
and students have worked to be good neighbors both in the school building and outside on
the playground. Each classroom has rules centered around respectful behavior as well and
the school as a whole has playground rules that are reviewed with all staff and students
regularly.
Examples of some of these playground rules are: sticks and rocks stay on the ground;
respect nature; respect others by using kind words and bodies; the fence is for safety rather
than climbing; and all play happens inside the fence.
There are typically 25-30 children on the playground three times a day (one recess for each
classroom of 25-30 children). This “outside” time happens between 10:30am and 1:00pm,
and 3-5 children are outside for about 45 minutes during aftercare from 3:00-3:45pm.
Classroom assistants and special education paraprofessionals are supervising children on
the playground as well as classroom teachers when appropriate.
TRM considers all interactions as learning experiences. If we do harm to something or
someone (intentional or not) we will look for how to rectify the situation. We very much
welcome and appreciate open communication directly with the school and it’s
administration to help resolve matters.
The TRM community is currently fundraising with the support of our families to add play
structures to the field (current playground area). We are also exploring options to add this
to the expansion project for the 2021-2022 school year. Not only do we believe this will help
better serve the needs of our children, but will also promote engagement of the students in
their play.
We are continually surveying the playground for construction debris that may have shifted throughout the school year and with the seasons. If any debris is found, staff promptly remove it. We believe the majority of incidents where items (including debris or garbage) may have occurred toward the beginning of the school year. Three Rivers Montessori is proud to be a part of the Elk River community. We look forward to continuing to develop strong relationships with our neighbors. We are interested in economically feasible ways to collaborate on solutions. Any matters surrounding playground behavior or concerns can be directed to admin@threeriversmontessori.org or by calling the Director, Rose Bringus at 763-595-1213. Thank you,
Rose Bringus
Executive Director
Rose Bringus | Executive Director
rose.bringus@threeriversmontessori.org
Three Rivers Montessori Charter School | District 4266-07
17267 Yale St NW Elk River, MN 55330
763-595-1213
| www.threeriversmontessori.org
www.facebook.com/threeriversmontessori
On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 10:28 AM Sean Elder <sean@thetensquaregroup.com> wrote:
Hi Chris,
Rose, will be sending you an email/memo shortly addressing these concerns directly from
the school. It is our understanding that these events occurred at the start of the year and the
behaviors were addressed. There hasn't been direct communication from the neighbors to
the school recently about these issues. That said, Rose is also going to reach out to them
directly to help foster direct dialogue, now that these have been raised in the letters.
If additional screening becomes necessary, would it be possible to screen with coniferous
trees along the existing fence and property line? This would create a natural screen and
height barrier, would preserve critical play space (rather than 15 ft. setback) and would be
more cost effective than a 7ft. opaque fence that would likely require ongoing maintenance.
Danielle Gloege
20185 County Rd 43
Big Lake MN 55309
City Planning Commission
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River MN 55330
Dear Planning Commission,
I am writing in support of the physical expansion of Three River Montessori Charter
School. Thank you for taking the time to review this letter. A bit about me- I am a 35-
year-old mother of 3. I have lived in Sherburne County for upwards of 14 years. I am
committed to the betterment of the community and agencies that I am affiliated with. I
believe that the expansion of Three Rivers Montessori will be great for this community.
A Montessori education helps develop curious, independent, confident learners, which
will feed into the workforce of Elk River and beyond. The benefits of Montessori are
numerous and will only provide benefit to the community. The Montessori Method
allows children to become leaders, naturally, by having multi-level classrooms. The
Montessori Method also encourages understanding, a passion for social justice, and
pleasure in learning for their entire lives. I have seen my own child grow
exponentially in the small time she has had the pleasure of attending Three Rivers
Montessori. She has become a better leader, reader, and mathematician. I have
confidence that the expansion of Three Rivers Montessori will afford this for many
other children.
When my middle son was just 2, I knew he would not be benefited by the traditional
public-school system. Once he reached school-age I told anyone that would listen
that he couldn’t sit in his desk listening to instruction and following teacher coaching
for 6+ hours a day. I investigated a Montessori education for him at that time,
however our family didn’t have the luxury of affording private schools and there were
no public offerings nearby. I chose a Public Charter School for him that was not near
my house because they took ideas from the Montessori Method and applied them to
their lower grades. I wanted my son to have the experience of a Montessori
education, however that was not possible for him. For the same reasons my
youngest daughter attended the same Public Charter School for her first 2
schoolyears. When I learned of Three Rivers Montessori opening, I enrolled her
immediately. During my time at the other Public Charter School we attended I have
formed many friendships with other parents. Several of them have expressed interest
in a Montessori education for their children that have not yet started school, and even
switching to Three Rivers Montessori for their school-aged children.
The Montessori Method is well respected and works well for children while giving
parents comfort in knowing that their child is allowed to learn and grow at their own
rate. This school has been a great asset to our family and all of the families that I
have spoken to that are attending. Expanding Three Rivers Montessori will allow
more choice for parents that are desperate to make these kinds of choices for their
family. The expansion of Three Rivers Montessori will be a great asset to the
growing city of Elk River as well as other areas of Sherburne County. It has brought
families from other areas to your city to do all sorts of activities because it is near
their child’s school. I choose doctors, therapists, grocery stores, fast food, gas
stations and many other things due to the proximity to my children’s school. Since
my children go to school in Elk River, I spend my hard-earned money in your city.
Allowing this school to grow will not only benefit the school itself, it will benefit the
businesses nearby and the families that are given a choice in the education their
child(ren) will receive.
Again, I thank you for taking the time to review my letter. Your careful consideration on
expanding Three Rivers Montessori is appreciated.
Best,
Danielle Gloege
Three Rivers Montessori Parent
651-757-5222
daniellemgloege@outlook.com