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Planning commission recommends preschool and childcare at Emmanuel Baptist Church; conditions set and council review scheduled
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a conditional-use permit to allow Emmanuel Baptist Church to operate a preschool and childcare program at 69 Saunders Road; the commission recorded a 7-1 vote with one abstention and will forward the matter to City Council on Sept. 23, 2025.
The Newport News Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a conditional-use permit allowing Emmanuel Baptist Church to operate a preschool and childcare program on its 9.7-acre property at 69 Saunders Road.
Planner Geyser presented the application (CU2025TAG0007) and described the proposed Emmanuel Early Learning Academy, which would provide full-time childcare and preschool for children 6 weeks through 5 years old, before- and after-school care for kindergarten through fifth grade, and summer programming. Geyser said the applicant provided floor plans showing configurations to accommodate 100 children with the capacity to expand; the staff report also notes the program "shall not exceed 150 children" and that the facility must comply with Virginia Department of Education licensing requirements and the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
Geyser described drop-off and pick-up circulation on-site (a one-way traffic pattern), required on-site fenced outdoor play areas meeting state licensing standards, and other conditions. He told the commission the hours of operation in the analysis section are 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
John Team, identified as an elder at Emmanuel Baptist Church, told the commission the church has operated for 70 years and has hosted educational programs for decades, saying the church has worked "to keep our facilities clean and safe and appropriate for the children and the people that use our building." He said the church previously hosted schools and has experience with child programs.
Commissioner Black announced a potential conflict and indicated he would step out for discussion and voting; when the roll was called the motion carried with seven affirmative votes and one abstention. The commission recorded the vote as seven in favor, one abstention, and the matter is scheduled for City Council consideration on Sept. 23, 2025.
If adopted by council, staff conditions (12 conditions listed in the staff report) will be included in the ordinance and will govern building use, capacity limits, fenced play areas and compliance with state licensing and building-code requirements.
