BZA allows Serene Midwifery office at 6621 Olvey Street, limits approval to this petitioner

The Lawrence Board of Zoning Appeals on Feb. 18 approved a variance allowing a midwifery medical office (Serene Midwifery) at 6621 Olvey Street in a D‑5 residential district, and the board limited the approval to the current petitioner. The board recorded the motion and vote to bind the variance to the petitioner’s midwifery practice.

Petitioner April Brake said she has practiced midwifery for 10 years, is licensed to provide home‑birth services in Indiana and operates a small practice that sees roughly 50–60 clients per year (about six deliveries annually). She told the board the office would emphasize a residential appearance, use a back entrance on Pendleton Pike for client access and schedule prenatal visits mainly on Tuesdays and Thursdays to limit traffic. A small part‑time staff was described: two midwives and two nurses working part time; the petitioner said the office would not be a birth center and clients give birth at home.

Three local medical professionals and longtime clients spoke in support, describing the clinical benefits of midwifery care, the value of a low‑stress, family‑friendly office and the convenience for growing families. City staff supported the petition and said the surrounding area contains mixed uses and that a small home‑style medical office is compatible with the neighborhood. Mr. Michael Zbarger asked whether the variance could be limited; the petitioner and staff agreed to a petitioner‑specific limitation and the board incorporated that restriction into its motion.

The board voted in favor of the variance with the petitioner‑only limitation. The approval allows Serene Midwifery to operate its outpatient prenatal and postpartum practice at 6621 Olvey Street under the conditions discussed at the hearing.