NEW GLOUCESTER – An application for a child care and learning center for up to 49 children is before the Planning Board for approval.

On Tuesday Christen Dechenes and Lesa Berard, both of Gray, told the board they plan to open the Hide and Seek Child Care Learning Center in the first floor of the former Ace Hardware store on Upper Gloucester Road. There are two other businesses in the building.

Planning Board Chairman Jean Libby said site plan review procedures must take into consideration historic reviews as well, even though the store is not historic.

A proposed 60- by 90-foot playground behind the building does not fall under setback requirements because Code Enforcement Officer William Parquette ruled the playground is not a structure, Libby said.

Planning Board member Janet Smaldon said modern playgrounds are different than in the past and have lots of structural components.

Dechenes said the playground will not have high towers though some climbing apparatus not too far off the ground will be erected.

The seven-member board will visit the site at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

According to the town’s zoning ordinance, abutters within 250 feet of the site must be notified in writing within seven days of the board’s next review on Sept. 16 when a public hearing will be held.

Several board members say they are concerned with traffic in the area of mixed business and residences near Route 100.

Libby said day-care centers generate 4.5 trips per day per students.

The day-care center will serve both infants, pre-schoolers and provide before- and after-school care.

In other business, the board canceled a public hearing by AT&T Wireless to build a telecommunication facility and tower at 181 Peacock Hill Road on land owned by David Clark.

Town Planner James Isaacson said abutters were not notified of the plan in time. Instead that public hearing will be held Sept. 16.

New Gloucester has an ordinance governing telecommunication towers.

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