Council approves special land use for new child day care at 34733 Warren Road

The Westland City Council approved a special land use allowing a proposed child day care center to occupy a vacant restaurant building at 34733 Warren Road. The planning department (Planning Dept. file 2266A) and the planning commission recommended approval subject to departmental requirements.

Planning staff described the project as a renovation of the existing building to include about 3,500 square feet of playground south of the building, enhanced landscaping, a three‑foot decorative front wall and an on‑site circular turnaround to improve pick‑up and drop‑off flow. Staff said the property is zoned CB‑3 (general commercial business district) and the petitioner intends to retain the existing building footprint while reconfiguring interior space to create approximately five classrooms.

The petitioner told council the target opening window is “around April, May” and said the goal is a licensed capacity of 65 children. Council members asked for and received details about safety measures. The petitioner said the playground will be enclosed with a privacy fence and classroom exits will funnel to a single secured access point; emergency exits will exist as required by state fire and licensing rules but would not be easily opened by young children. The petitioner said meals would be prepared on site in a kitchen and that the center is a second location for an operator currently running a Dearborn facility.

Council discussion focused heavily on traffic and safety at the nearby Wayne–Warren intersection. Councilman Hart noted the intersection “has been called one of the most dangerous intersections in Wayne County” and warned that morning and afternoon drop‑off waves could create vehicle stacking on Warren Road. Several council members recommended close coordination with the police department and monitoring the site after opening; suggestions included time‑restricted turning movements if stacking becomes a problem.

Council members expressed support for reusing the vacant parcel and the economic benefit of bringing daytime activity back to the corridor. Councilwoman Bowman, who supported the motion, said she hopes the project will help surrounding businesses and noted the site will remain commercially zoned. After discussion and with no dissent, the council approved the special land use. Staff indicated the approval is contingent on compliance with departmental requirements and building, fire and state licensing inspections prior to operation.

The approval does not change the property’s CB‑3 zoning and does not authorize capital expenditures beyond what the petitioner will pursue under building permits and required approvals. Council members asked staff to monitor traffic patterns once the center opens and to work with police on mitigation if stacking develops.