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Child Development Resources seeks city support for consolidated Norwich facility
Summary
Child Development Resources presented a renovation and expansion project for 312 Waller Mill Road, seeking city support to consolidate services now scattered across multiple sites and expand local early‑intervention capacity.
Child Development Resources (CDR) told the City Council it is renovating and expanding the former Triangle Community Services building at 312 Waller Mill Road to create the Communities First Family Resource Center and asked for city support of the project.
CDR representative Scott (presenter name listed in packet as Mr. Scott) said the organization hopes to move into the renovated facility with a conservative target move‑in date of Feb. 26 and that the project will consolidate six previously scattered locations into a single site. He said the agency has raised about $9,450,000 toward a $13 million goal and currently has about $4.2 million in proposals under consideration.
Scott told council CDR serves families across Williamsburg, James City County, York and Poquoson and that a recent feasibility study identified 133 city children in the pre‑K to kindergarten‑entry age band; CDR said it currently serves about 45 children in the city and provides services to roughly 1,000 children a year across the catchment area. He said the consolidated facility would house early‑intervention programs, autism diagnostic services (ADOS clinic), pediatric neurology rotations in partnership with the Medical College of Virginia, play therapy for trauma, parent support groups and a professional development center for childcare providers.
The presentation included project renderings and a site plan showing parking easements and shared use areas; Scott said the renovation has found some cost savings but also additional costs typical of older buildings and that the project is approximately a quarter complete at the time of the presentation. He described interior changes to provide enlarged childcare classrooms, clerical reception and family support spaces and noted improvements such as solar light tubes to increase natural light.
Speakers at the meeting, including a parent who described CDR’s early‑intervention services for a child with a cleft palate and related developmental needs, urged council to prioritize support for the renovation and expansion. Council members thanked CDR staff for the work and asked clarifying questions about the service area and the number of children served; staff said most services occur in family homes and that the facility will serve as a central hub for staff and programs.
No formal council vote on funding was taken at the meeting; council members expressed appreciation and said the project will be considered during the budget process.
