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Board approves special exception for new child care center at 8008 Tyler Street
Summary
The Board approved a special exception allowing Laura Leanna's Tiny Tots child day care at 8008 Tyler Street, limited to the petitioner and location; the applicant must complete state and fire inspections and obtain childcare licensing before opening.
The Town of Merrillville Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception (case Z7E5-0325) to allow a child day care, Laura Leanna's Tiny Tots Incorporated, at 8008 Tyler Street. The vote was unanimous.
Petitioner Lorraine (last name in transcript: Jelks) told the board she previously operated an adult day care at the location and wants to open a child day care after closing the prior adult facility due to declining clients and insurance changes. The staff report said the proposed facility occupies about 2,800 square feet, would serve children ages 2 to 12, expects 15 to 20 children and would employ three staff. Proposed hours are Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Board members asked about staff training, caregiver-to-child ratios and licensing. The petitioner said she is "going through all the proper trainings for the state" and that the state will inspect the facility and determine allowed capacity based on space and age. A staff member emphasized that the state fire inspector and other state regulators will inspect the site and the town will not issue local approvals that conflict with state requirements.
No members of the public spoke during the open-comment period. Following discussion, a motion to approve the special exception "for this petitioner only, at this location only, and for this use only" passed 5-0. The petitioner was reminded she may not open until the state issues the required child-care license and until any fire or building inspection items are cleared.
