Planning board divided on Alibaba Avenue kindergarten/daycare; special‑exception denial motion fails and development agreement considered for commission

A plan to convert seven existing buildings on Alibaba Avenue into a kindergarten/daycare and educational facility drew substantial public comment and partisan board debate at the City of Opelika Planning and Zoning Board meeting.

Applicant representatives, including former Miami‑Dade fire chief Al Cruz and owner Felipe (presenting as an operator of multiple schools), said the project would repurpose two existing commercial structures and a former church into educational space for up to 39 children. Cruz said the project would be “fully sprinkler[ed] with fire alarm and all of their codes that are required in the state of Florida and the city of Opelika” and would provide a playground area larger than minimum requirements.

Gerald Lee, planner with the City of Opelika, told the board the use is evaluated under the city’s school‑location rules (ordinance 10‑16) and the Historic Downtown Opelika District ordinance (22‑08). Staff recommended approval of…