Morgan Street Daycare Approval Delayed as Neighbors Voice Traffic Concerns
Hooksett, NH — A longstanding childcare center on Morgan Street will wait at least another two weeks for a decision on its commercial site plan, after the Planning Board voted to continue the hearing to October 20 so legal counsel can be consulted.
Mary-Go-Round Day Care, operated by owner Maryann French since 1988, originally opened as a home business capped at 20 children. Over the decades it expanded into a full commercial childcare facility serving up to 40 children.
French is now looking to sell the property and needs formal site-plan approval before a sale can move forward.
Several neighbors spoke at the hearing. Some praised French’s management, while others expressed concerns about traffic, parking, and parent behavior—particularly during busy drop-off times and the annual graduation event.
One neighbor noted that “parents often ignore traffic stops” and park on lawns during peak events.
French responded that she staggers pickup and drop-off schedules and sends frequent reminders to families. to respect neighborhood rules.
Complicating the matter is the Town’s historical communication. Planning staff confirmed that although the daycare expanded years ago, the Town never required French to return for approvals at the time.
Town Councilor James Sullivan noted, “After 34 years of operations, I’d be hard-pressed to revoke what the Town has effectively supported all this time.”
The Board voted 7-0 to continue the hearing while they seek a legal opinion on the daycare’s non-conforming status and future ownership implications.
