Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Parents in Cambridge are angry over what they feel is short notice from a day care center that it's closing down, leaving them scrambling to find new arrangements for their children.
The Sunrise Learning Academy, located at the Red Line's Alewife MBTA station, has been operating for 18 years.
But it's preparing to shut its doors permanently due to major renovations planned at the station.
While parents and officials at the center said they are surprised by the closing, the MBTA said it notified Sunrise last June that it was not renewing its lease.
That came as news to this parent. "I found out two weeks ago, I think," he said. "It's a shocker that they're closing down a school like this."
Parents and supporters have launched a petition to keep the daycare center open.
The schedule currently calls for the center to close in July.
"So now we have to go around again looking for another daycare which is completely difficult," said another parent.
"It's honestly really sad," added another.
Meanwhile, the MBTA said it's been working closely with the daycare center to look for alternative locations as well as minimize disruptions for the center's employees and the children and families served by the facility.
In a statement provided to WBZ NewsRadio, the MBTA said in part, "The MBTA has been planning to replace or fully rehabilitate the Alewife Garage for over a year, which can only be done safely once all tenants have relocated. We informed the childcare provider in June 2025 that we would not be renewing its license following May 31, 2026."
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.