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Forest Park council approves conditional-use permit for West Street childcare after parking, safety conditions
Summary
The Forest Park Mayor and Council voted to approve a conditional-use permit for a childcare center at 4959–4965 West Street, requiring the owner to meet parking and paving standards before operation.
Forest Park Mayor and Council on Aug. 18 approved a conditional-use permit (CUP 2025-03) allowing a childcare center to operate at 4959 and 4965 West Street in Ward 2, contingent on the property meeting city parking and paving standards.
The permit, for a facility serving children ages 6 weeks to 12 years, was approved after council members said they wanted the site brought up to safety and aesthetic standards before a tenant opens. Councilwoman James said, “there's some safety concerns that have to be addressed and the parking that needs to be corrected. So I would only be in favor if those items are taken care of prior to them getting the conditional use.” Councilwoman Gunn also said she inspected the site and backed requiring the prior conditions, calling the property “not a good look” compared with nearby townhomes.
City staff told the council that single-family residential zoning requires a conditional-use permit for pre-K facilities and day-care centers under Section 8-8-28, and that previous operators at the location had required reapplication because of inconsistent business use. Staff and the planning commission recommended that parking areas, interior drives and ingress/egress be paved with asphalt or concrete and that parking spaces be clearly marked, consistent with Section 8-8-90 (parking standards). The planning commission approved the request on July 17 with conditions; the council vote finalized the permit with the same parking-related conditions.
Council moved and seconded the measure and approved it by roll call. The motion required the owner to complete the parking and surface improvements before a childcare tenant begins operations; if the current operator ceases, any subsequent operator must obtain a new conditional-use permit. The city said the property owner must comply with Sections 8-8-70 through 8-8-78.3 and other applicable code provisions related to childcare facility operation.
The applicant may proceed with business planning after satisfying the required site work and securing final approvals from staff. The council did not specify an exact date for required improvements; staff indicated requirements are those listed in the ordinance.
