Commission OKs Little Land Learning Center at Hope Lutheran, with operations condition
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Summary
Aurora commissioners approved a conditional use for Little Land Learning Center to operate a large child day care at Hope Lutheran Church, serving about 85–90 children and operating weekdays 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; approval is subject to the applicant substantially complying with the operations letter on file.
The Aurora Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-0 on Nov. 25 to approve a conditional use allowing Little Land Learning Center to operate a large child day care at Hope Lutheran Church (northwest corner of E. 13th Avenue and N. Macon Street).
Planner Morgan Jennings said the site, formerly used as a school for roughly 250 students, will host a less intensive child‑care operation serving about 85 to 90 children. The proposal complies with use‑specific standards in the UDO, including hours of operation (no more than 16 hours in a 24‑hour period), and staff recommended approval with the condition that the applicant substantially comply with the letter of introduction on the record.
"The proposed child care center will operate Monday through Friday from 7AM to 05:30PM," Jennings said, describing operational limits used to assess compatibility with surrounding residential uses.
Commissioner Banka disclosed that the pastor of Hope Lutheran is a client of hers as a real estate agent; City Attorney Lina McClellan advised that the disclosure did not appear to constitute a direct financial interest and that Banka could participate if she believed she could remain impartial. Banka affirmed there was no personal financial gain tied to the center and moved to approve the conditional use. Commissioner Riley seconded. After no public speakers had registered on the item, the commission voted unanimously to approve the conditional use with the staff‑recommended condition.
The approval includes an administrative provision allowing minor operational changes that do not constitute a new or expanded use to be processed administratively, but the commission’s action requires the operator to follow the operations plan on record.
