In a recent government meeting, officials discussed zoning file 2417, which involves a request for a special permit for Coram Deo Academy to establish a private school at 1301 Abrams Road. The site, located northeast of the intersection of Abrams and Walnut Street, currently houses a church and spans 8.6 acres, with only 5 acres within the city of Richardson.

Coram Deo Academy plans to repurpose the existing church building, which is approximately 70,500 square feet and two stories tall, to accommodate students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school anticipates an initial enrollment of 440 students, with a maximum capacity of 748. However, due to a rotating schedule, only about half of the students will be on campus at any given time, leading to a condition that limits daily attendance to 400 students.

The proposed modifications to the site include the addition of three outdoor playground areas and an 8-foot tall perimeter fence for security. The school will also feature 201 parking spaces on the Richardson side, supplemented by an additional 160 spaces on the Dallas side, which the applicant claims will adequately support staff, faculty, students, and visitors.

To ensure smooth traffic flow during peak times, the school will implement staggered arrival and dismissal schedules, with designated times for different grade levels. Access to the site will be managed through two driveways on Abrams Road, with restrictions on left turns during arrival and dismissal periods to enhance safety.

The proposal is currently under review, with officials considering the implications of the school's establishment on the surrounding community.