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Planning Commission recommends city consider preschool permit at Emmanuel Baptist Church
Summary
The Planning Commission voted 7-0 with one abstention to forward a conditional use permit for Emmanuel Baptist Church to operate a preschool and childcare program (Emmanuel Early Learning Academy) at 69 Saunders Road; staff recommended 12 conditions and a child-count cap tied to building code.
The Newport News Planning Commission on Sept. 3 recommended that City Council consider Conditional Use Permit CU20250007 to allow Emmanuel Baptist Church to operate a preschool and childcare program at 69 Saunders Road.
Planner Geistia presented staff’s analysis, describing required indoor floor space per child under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and noting the applicant’s floor plans show classroom configurations that can accommodate the proposed program. Staff said the site includes a fenced open play area of about 4,160 square feet and larger green spaces for future expansion; staff recommended approval with 12 conditions including compliance with licensing and limiting program operations to Buildings 1 and 2 as shown on the floor plan. Staff also noted the total number of children in the program shall not exceed 150 and must comply with state building-code standards.
John Thiem, the church’s lead elder, told commissioners Emmanuel Baptist has operated in the community for decades and has hosted educational programs there before. “We’ve been a church for 70 years,” Thiem said. “In those 70 years, we’ve safely, and, with good faith, had hosted myriad of children on our property.” He described efforts to upgrade and maintain facilities for children’s safety.
Commissioners asked about hours of operation (staff cited 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.), meal service options (cold lunch, catered or later permitting to cook on-site) and compliance with licensing and building-code requirements.
One commissioner announced an abstention from discussion and voting because of a potential involvement with the project; the roll call produced a recommendation to forward the permit to City Council with seven votes in favor and one abstention. The matter is scheduled for City Council on Sept. 23, 2025.
What’s next: If City Council adopts the ordinance, the applicant must obtain any required building or health permits and meet licensing standards before providing childcare services.
