Islamic educational center gets final Cherry Hill zoning approval for daycare and classes on Marlkress Road.

An Islamic youth education and daycare center in a converted office building on Marlkress Road in Cherry Hill has received final approval from the Township zoning board.

Inspire A Learner LLC was approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment on October 16. Board members on November 6 adopted a resolution giving the applicant a use variance, minor site plan approval and other variances for the 1155 Marlkress Road property, between Allison Drive and Cardone Avenue.

"The center will operate year-round and serve children and youth ages 2 to 18 through a range of structured programs designed to support physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development," according to Inspire A Learner's project overview.

While the daycare center is permitted, the educational center is not a permitted use for the property under Cherry Hill zoning law. A use variance was needed. 

The main concern of board members at the October meeting was parking.

Samuel Agresta, whose Cherry Hill engineering firm represented the applicant, testified at the board meeting that the number of parking spaces will be reduced to 34 from 43.

Board member Greg Bruno stated he was concerned about the parking and circulation of vehicles on the site, but that he was in favor of the application.

Neelima (Neeli) Straiges, another board member, said she also found the parking was an issue, but, after Inspire A Learner addressed her concerns and agreed to add a walkway, she said she was in support of the application.

The applicant also agreed to install sidewalks along the front of the property.

A representative of the applicant, Hesham Mousa, testified that the daycare center will operate Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with five employees and a maximum of 35 children, according to the resolution. Thirty students will be part of the separate educational program, with four teachers. 

The board restricted attendance to no more than 65 children at a time, according to the resolution.

Members of the public testifying in favor of the application were Ahmed Jadalla of Cherry Hill, Dr. Sara Toema of Cherry Hill, Mohammad Khan of Laurel Springs, Mirna Abbas, Nada Mousa, Anam Raja, Samia Mian and Aisha Munir.

Previous coverage of Inspire A Learner's proposal at 70and73.com:

Islamic learning center asks Cherry Hill zoning board's OK to convert Marlkress Road building into school.

Plan for Islamic youth education center on Marlkress Road goes before Cherry Hill zoning board.