Planning commission recommends approval of vocational academy with dorms at Parkdale Road

Prince George County Planning Commission on Jan. 23 voted unanimously to forward Special Exception SE-24-11 to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation for approval to allow a private vocational training academy, including limited dormitories, at 16905 Parkdale Road.

Tim Graves, planning staff, told commissioners the application covers about 6.5 acres in a B‑1 general business zoning district and would convert existing hotel/motel buildings and add one new structure to create a vocational campus. Graves said staff recommended approval subject to conditions that limit dormitory rooms and total enrollment and require compliance with county codes and state reviews. "The staff's recommendation based on this review that we've gone through is approval," he said.

The application, presented for the applicant by Steve Parson, interim executive director for Next Level Career Development Academy, proposes vocational programs including automotive, culinary, cosmetology, plumbing and carpentry, plus adult education and GED preparation. Parson said the school would partner with local employers for internships and that instructors would be…