Zoning Board of Appeals grants United Way variance to use off-site play area for downtown daycare

On Aug. 12, 2025, the Bay City Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5-0 to grant a nonuse variance to United Way of Bay County that allows a proposed childcare center at 909 Washington Avenue to use an off-site outdoor recreation area rather than an outdoor play area contiguous to the building.

The variance responds to a request from United Way of Bay County to waive the city requirement in section 122-477(b) that a childcare facility provide a contiguous outdoor recreation area. Nicole Luszak, president and CEO of United Way of Bay County, said the organization is seeking to fill a local childcare gap after a long-term tenant vacated the building. "We recently had a tenant who's been there for nearly 20 years vacate…leaving the entire first-floor space open and available for use," Luszak said. She told the board the center would target infant and toddler care and estimated the facility could serve about "40 to 50 children." Luszak said the center would partner with Bay-Arenac ISD and Delta College to provide practicum…