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Planning commission approves expansion of home daycare at 14411 Vernon Avenue
Summary
After public testimony supporting increased daycare capacity, the Oak Park Planning Commission voted unanimously to grant a special land-use permit to expand a family daycare at 14411 Vernon Avenue to a group day care home (7–12 children).
The Oak Park Planning Commission on Nov. 3 unanimously approved a special land-use permit to expand a family daycare at 14411 Vernon Avenue into a group day care home for seven to 12 children.
The permit application, submitted by Minda Cohen, would allow the property (Property ID 52-25-19-403-015) to change from a family daycare (six or fewer children) to a group day care home. The applicant told the commission that several families had contacted her after a nearby center closed, that she is at capacity and that she would like to accept at least two more families. She described her expected hours as approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., possibly extending to 4 p.m.
Neighbors and local providers spoke in favor. Donnie Jones of 24660 West Hampton said the neighbors approve and called the plan “a great idea.” Devorah Gold, a licensed Oak Park home childcare provider at 15110 Dartmouth Street, said demand is high and that her program is certified for 14 children after an increase in ratios following COVID-era guidance.
A commissioner queried the applicant about pick-up and drop-off logistics and the single driveway on the property. The applicant said most parents park on the street and sometimes pull into the driveway; she said children enter and exit through a rear door and that she supervises arrivals so children do not walk in the driveway unaccompanied. During questioning a commissioner also referenced the planning code allowance to reduce required separation distances for such facilities provided that drop-off/pick-up is limited to certain hours (the code text and local limits were cited during the hearing).
The commission closed the public hearing, moved, seconded and took a roll-call vote. Vice Chairperson Brown, Commissioners Whitehead, Eiselman, McClellan, Seligson and Tungate voted yes; the chair announced the motion carries.
The permit allows the applicant to continue the state licensing process necessary to operate at the larger capacity; the applicant said zoning approval is one step in that process.
