Oak Harbor approves conditional use permit for Brighthaven Childcare Center in Central Business District

A proposed childcare center in Oak Harbor is making waves as city officials discuss its conditional use permit during a recent hearing. The Brighthaven Childcare Center, spearheaded by Gliza and Patrick Price, aims to transform an underutilized lot at 890 Southeast Bayshore Drive into a vibrant space for local families.

The center will feature both indoor classrooms and an outdoor play area, with the latter designed to accommodate a maximum of 11 children at any given time. This decision aligns with the city’s interpretation of space requirements, which will now consider the number of children playing simultaneously rather than total enrollment. This shift is part of a broader effort to revise local codes to better match state standards.

City staff expressed strong support for the project, noting that the childcare center is a more suitable use for the location than retail or restaurant options. The development services director emphasized the importance of deferring to state regulations, citing their expertise in childcare safety and standards.

Concerns from nearby residents, particularly regarding noise and safety, were addressed during the meeting. The Prices assured attendees that a privacy fence would be installed to protect vehicles in the adjacent parking lot, and outdoor playtimes would be limited to reasonable hours—Monday through Friday, from 7 AM to 5 PM.

With the city council set to review the proposed code revisions, the Prices are optimistic about moving forward. They highlighted their commitment to providing essential childcare services in the community, aiming to alleviate the ongoing childcare shortage in Oak Harbor. The hearing concluded with no public opposition, paving the way for the center’s potential approval.