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Council approves TMCO’s special permit for 30‑child early‑learning center near South Salt Creek
Summary
The council unanimously approved a five‑year special permit March 24 for TMCO Investments LLC to operate a 30‑child early‑care facility at 921 South Sixth Street, including two waiver requests. TMCO and community partners said the project will expand childcare access for employees, many of whom are immigrants and refugees.
The Lincoln City Council approved a special permit March 24 allowing TMCO Investments LLC to operate a five‑year early childhood care facility for up to 30 children at property generally described as 921 South Sixth Street.
Andrew Willis, attorney for the applicant, and Diane Timmy Stinson, owner and CEO of TMCO, described the proposal as an employer‑based child‑care model to serve TMCO employees. "Prep Academy was created to serve TMCO employees, 40 percent of which are immigrant and refugee," Stinson said. She added the center is intended to improve access to early learning and workforce stability for families who often do not qualify for childcare subsidy.
The site plan calls for three temporary classroom buildings — two classroom structures and a third building for office and food preparation — and an enclosed play area. Willis said the applicant is requesting two waivers that planning staff recommended: reducing the front‑yard setback from 25 feet to 10 feet and waiving the requirement that the site be located on an arterial street. Willis said the setback waiver helps locate buildings away from nearby railroad tracks and that the non‑arterial waiver reflects that the new facility will serve the same employees already traveling to the employer.
Anne Brandt, executive director of Lincoln Littles, urged the council to approve the permit, saying the project removes two key obstacles to quality early care — accessibility and affordability — and will be an important benefit for families and employers.
Council members praised TMCO's initiative and the collaboration between the company and city departments. The council voted 7‑0 to approve the special permit (recorded as Special Permit 25008 in the agenda roll). The item was introduced by Council Member Duden and seconded; the roll call recorded seven yes votes and no opposition.
Project details from testimony and staff presentations: - Capacity: up to 30 children. - Waivers: front‑yard setback reduced from 25 feet to 10 feet; waiver of the arterial‑street location requirement. - Permit term: five years for temporary (portable) classroom buildings; the applicant described a conversion plan or removal if the facility does not continue after five years. - Location context: the site sits near Cooper Park and Park Middle School and has received neighborhood outreach; the South Salt Creek Neighborhood Association and Lincoln Littles were cited as collaborators.
The approved permit allows TMCO to proceed with building permits, required health and safety reviews, and coordination with city planning and building departments on implementation.
