SkateWorld seeking exception to open childcare programs

GEORGETOWN — An application before the Sussex County Board of Adjustment, scheduled for a Nov. 4 evaluation, would allow SkateWorld, 28393 Seaford Rd., to provide before and after school care programs to area parents and children.

According to her application to the board, owner Karen Schreiber has several reasons for wanting to use the facility she purchased in early 2023 to run daycare programs.

Ms. Schreiber also owns Sussex Preschools, giving her a unique perspective on the issue and its solution.

“(Sussex Preschools) have received countless calls from parents needing before and after school care for kids in Laurel District as well as Sussex Montessori,” the application reads, in part. “We are at the max for school age children at my two Laurel centers. We need space.”

Space she already has at the roller rink.

“Utilizing the rink will accommodate approximately 50-60 children. These children will come to the rink instead of going home to be alone. We will provide snacks as well as scheduled indoor activities to include homework help,” the application reads.

A key feature is the indoor space.

“We will utilize the indoor skating rink as a playground; no outdoor play,” so the children will be inside during operating hours, and won’t impact the neighborhood by their presence, the application argues. Plus, the facility is ready to go in this capacity, according to the application — no modifications or additions to the existing structure are required.

And, because it’s an operating business, it already has its own parking, which is listed as a “unique feature” of the property in the application.

“There is adequate parking for parent drop-off and pick-up,” as well as plenty of space for school buses to do likewise, the application states. In fact, Laurel school buses already use SkateWorld as a place to turn around, Ms. Schreiber details in the paperwork.

The Sussex County Board of Adjustment meets weekly in Council Chambers on Mondays at 2 The Circle in Georgetown, at 6 p.m. Meetings are also streamed online or available for video playback on https://sussexcountyde.gov/council-chamber-broadcast .

So far, there have been no comments submitted in favor of or against the project.

Staff writer Brian Gilliland can be reached at bg@iniusa.org.