Planning commission recommends approval of 68-child day care at 617 Randolph Road

The Newport News Planning Commission on March’s meeting voted unanimously to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for a child care center at 617 Randolph Road that staff said would be licensed for up to 68 children.

City planner Ms. Saul told commissioners the application, filed by Mann Group of Real Estate LLC with applicant Enerisha House, proposes to operate a center for children from roughly 6 weeks through age 5, with before- and after-school and summer programming for 6- to 12-year-olds. "The licensing approval of the center is contingent upon many factors including an on-site visit by the Department of Education," Ms. Saul said.

The commission’s recommendation follows the city staff report, which said the site is zoned R-4 (single-family dwelling) and that the proposed child care use is consistent with the city’s 1 City, 1 Future 2040 comprehensive plan land-use designation for low-density residential neighborhoods. Staff said city departments raised no objections and that the applicant has applied to the Virginia Department of Education for a functional design with a capacity of 68 children.

According to the staff presentation, the center’s proposed hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays); it would employ 10 full-time and three part-time staff; and it would provide an outdoor play area of at least 4,125 square feet within about 9,000 square feet of rear open space. The staff report described required improvements and 13 conditions that would be included in the ordinance forwarded to city council, including that the facility "shall comply with all applicable license requirements, standards, and regulations as administered by the Virginia Department of Education" and that the license "must be maintained in good standing at all times during the operation of the childcare facility." Building plans meeting city and state code must be submitted and approved prior to licensing, staff said.

Commissioners asked staff clarifying questions about the building footprint, signage and the site circulation plan for pick-up and drop-off. The planner said there is no proposed change to the building footprint; new openings will be created to provide direct access into rooms for children younger than 4, and a fenced, secure path between building and play area and a one-way circulation pattern for drop-off/pick-up will be required.

With no public speakers in opposition, Commissioner Williams moved to accept staff’s recommendation; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll call vote of 7-0. Ms. Saul stated the item will be heard by the City Council in March 2025 for final action.

The commission record notes the license is subject to approval by the Virginia Department of Education and that the city’s building-permit process must be completed before licensing.