Staff Writer

Members of the Money family have again been denied the opportunity to open a group home day care.

Deborah Nickson, a Montgomery attorney, addressed the Troy Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals Thursday afternoon.

Faye Money Thomas and her sister, Rebecca C. Money, want to open a child care facility for children up to 5 years old at 240 Montgomery Street. Their plans are to have a maximum of 12 children during the day and 12 at night.

But, that request has been denied more than once by the board.

Nickson requested another hearing based on a vote she considers a conflict of interest, the "substantial debt" incurred by the Money family and conflicting petitions ­ one in favor and one in opposition ­ presented to the board at an earlier date. Both petitions have some of the same names on them; a Montgomery Street property owner serving on the board voted on the issue; and the building purchased with intent to operate as a day care is sitting vacant.

When the Moneys first applied to the zoning board, they expected no opposition since other day care facilities had been located in that same house.

Money’s day care would, "in essence," be replacing a closed day care facility, Nickson told board members.

"We respectfully ask the board to approve Mrs. Money’s variance," Nickson said.

Board member Jack Norton made the motion to deny a hearing for a year, meaning the Money’s cannot reappear before the board on this matter until Feb. 15, 2002.

"We’re not talking about a procedure; we’re talking about people’s lives," Nickson told the board. "If you could find it in your hearts to grant a rehearing…"

William Wright, another board member, said he never had problems with the request and could see no reason a new hearing could not be granted.

"I feel the day care should be open," Wright said.

Wright was the sole board member who voted against Norton’s motion. Three board members voted for the motion and one member abstained from the vote.

Also, during the meeting Thursday afternoon, the board:

· Approved the request for a variance to operate a home day care at 103 Botts Avenue. The day care owned by Patricia Holmes, has been in operation for 14 years and will offer care to 12 children.

· Approved the request for a variance to operate a home day care at 1101 North Three Notch Street. Shirley Maddox said the day care for six children has been in operation for four years.