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Board approves sale of city-owned Monroe Street daycare to bidder; Learning Tree says it will invest in building
Summary
The Board of Public Works and Safety approved awarding the city-owned daycare at 42510 Monroe Street to bidder Philip Jenkins for $515,000 pending attorney review; Learning Tree representatives described plans to invest in a new roof, siding and programming.
The La Porte Board of Public Works and Safety voted Sept. 3 to award the public bid for 42510 Monroe Street — the former daycare property — to Philip Jenkins for $515,000, pending final review by the city attorney.
City staff said the offer exceeded the average of two appraisals. Craig Phillips, presenting the bid tabulation and supporting affidavits, told the board the non‑collusion affidavit and required documentation had been submitted and recommended awarding the bid. “I think based on that, I would request that we award this bid to Philip Jenkins, pending final review by our attorney,” Phillips said.
The bid met the city’s minimum appraisal threshold. Phillips said the average of two appraisals was $502,500 and that the $515,000 bid exceeded that amount. He also noted the buyer’s narrative and required certifications were included in the submission.
Representatives of Learning Tree, which operates the daycare program at the site, spoke to the board during the discussion. Wendy Jenkins of Learning Tree described enrollment growth and planned capital work if the purchase is finalized: “We came into this community about a year and a half ago, and it has been a wonderful experience. Everyone is happy. The parents are happy.” Jenkins said Learning Tree plans a new roof, new siding and brick repair, and expects the facility improvements to be completed by the end of the year if the purchase proceeds.
Board members asked whether the sale aligned with expectations for property value and noted the bid exceeded the appraisal average. The board approved the motion after a second; the award will be finalized following the attorney’s review so the buyer does not need to return for approval at a later meeting.
The board also noted that the bid contained conditions that the buyer maintain day‑care use at the site and meet state-level certifications specified in the bid solicitation.
What happens next: City staff will complete attorney review and, if all paperwork is in order, finalize the sale and report back to the board as required.
