Council adopts special-exception to allow pre-K center at 1114 Mayflower Road

The South Bend Common Council on July 28 adopted an ordinance approving a special-exception petition to permit an early‑childhood pre‑K program at 1114 Mayflower Road.

City zoning staff told the council the building has served as a daycare in the past and that the requested use — listed in the zoning code as “pre‑K, primary or secondary” — is appropriate for the existing structure and compatible with the neighborhood and the city’s comprehensive plan. Petitioner David Turner told council members he plans a program serving infants through 5‑year‑olds with a rolling enrollment capped at about 40 seats and said the operation will be a business (not a ministry) that will accept vouchers.

Why it matters: The project would restore a child‑care use to an existing building in a residential area and add pre‑K…