By Jodi Hausen,Staff Writer

FARMINGTON – Planning Board members unanimously approved acceptance of preliminary plans for a new private school on Prescott Street on Monday.

Sally Rees-Speich, the school’s director, presented plans to board members, who listened to concerns of neighbors mostly worried about increased noise from the influx of traffic and children.

One nearby neighbor said he worked swing shifts and needed to be able to sleep during the day when school would be in session. He and his wife also pointed out that the house sits on a flood plain and has asbestos shingles.

Rees-Speich said she had spoken with the state Fire Marshal’s Office about bringing the 1892 home up to code for a private school, and said it could cost them easily up to $10,000 to do so, she said. The asbestos shingles are not an issue – they are outside and chips from them cannot become airborne. However, the house’s interior does need an inspection for interior asbestos and other poisons such as lead paint, she said.

The fire marshal suggested they do a feasibility study, and directors will be meeting with an architect next week.

Another neighbor was concerned that the street was becoming commercial and was no longer the quiet, residential street it once had been.

Rees-Speich said directors want to work with neighbors to allay their concerns. They have already scheduled a meeting with them.

She also explained the concept of a Montessori-style school that incorporates responsibility in the curriculum. She said students would necessarily be mindful of their neighbors.

Planning Board members had suggested that the town might consider posting the road at a lower speed limit during school hours – something that would only benefit the neighbors, Rees-Speich said.