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Commission recommends Emmanuel Baptist Church preschool conditional use permit with one abstention
Summary
The Planning Commission voted 7–0 with one abstention to recommend that city council approve CU20250007, allowing Emmanuel Baptist Church to operate a preschool/childcare program (Emmanuel Early Learning Academy) at 69 Saunders Road under 12 staff conditions and state licensing requirements.
The Newport News Planning Commission on Sept. 3 recommended city council approve a conditional use permit (CU20250007) to allow Emmanuel Baptist Church to operate a preschool and childcare program at 69 Saunders Road.
Planner Saul Laceier described the proposal as the formation of the Emmanuel Early Learning Academy, offering infant and toddler care, preschool education and before- and after-school care for kindergarten through fifth-grade students, plus summer programs. Laceier said the program would operate initially in Buildings 1 and 2, with proposed hours of 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. "The applicant has provided floor plans that show configurations that will accommodate the 100 children in age appropriate rooms with the required staff and the capacity to expand in the future to the desired 125 children," Laceier said.
Staff recommended approval with 12 conditions requiring compliance with applicable state licensing, limiting operations to specified buildings, capping total children permitted at no more than 150 in accordance with the state building code, and requiring an on-site fenced play area in accordance with state standards. Laceier noted the proposed initial fenced play area is 4,160 square feet and the site contains larger green spaces for future expansion.
John Thiem, lead elder at Emmanuel Baptist Church, spoke for the applicant and described the church's 70-year presence and experience hosting children and past educational programs. On meal service, Thiem said options include cold lunches, catered meals, or later installing a kitchen hood requiring a separate permit.
Chairperson Taylor identified a potential conflict and abstained from discussion and voting; the motion to recommend approval carried 7–0 with one abstention. The commission forwarded the recommendation to city council for its Sept. 23, 2025 hearing.
Next steps: the city council will consider the recommended conditional use permit at its Sept. 23 meeting.
