City Council Considers Daycare Expansion Amid Community Growth

In a recent city council meeting, officials discussed a conditional use permit (CUP) amendment for a property located at 3680 Pheasanthenne Drive, which seeks to expand its educational offerings to include a preschool alongside an existing K-8 school and religious facility. The property, previously rezoned from a planned business district to a development flex designation, had received approval for a K-8 school and a place of worship just a few months prior.

The amendment aims to incorporate a preschool program, which was initially part of the original vision for the site but was omitted during earlier discussions. The proposed preschool is expected to accommodate approximately 30 to 50 children, operating during the same hours as the K-8 school, from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The facility will feature 20 classrooms, including two dedicated to preschool and daycare activities, and an outdoor play area.

City staff reported that the site has ample parking, with 278 spaces available, exceeding the 144 spaces required for the combined uses of the religious facility, school, and preschool. The design ensures that traffic flow will not disrupt Pheasant Ridge Drive, as parents will park to pick up their children rather than queueing in vehicles.

During the public hearing, attorney Chris Hinese, representing the applicant, emphasized the importance of the preschool in fostering community ties and facilitating a smooth transition for children moving from preschool to the K-8 program. He also noted that the fire marshal had approved safety plans for the second floor, where the preschool will be located, and that a new exit would enhance safety measures.

The council is expected to vote on the resolution to approve the CUP amendment, which would replace the previous resolution from June. No public comments were received prior to the meeting, and city staff recommended approval of the amendment, highlighting its alignment with community needs and safety standards.