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Local daycare owners ask Prichard council to rezone home to expand inclusive care
Summary
Theresa and Joseph Lewis asked the council to rezone 5527 Haley Road from residential to commercial so they can expand a licensed group home daycare (currently for 12 children) and serve neurodivergent children; council said Alabama law requires a planning commission recommendation and asked for ordinance review and legal guidance.
Theresa Lewis and her husband Joseph Lewis Jr. told the Prichard council on Jan. 15 that they operate a licensed group home daycare at 5527 Haley Road and seek rezoning to expand capacity beyond the current 12‑child group-home license. "We are trained and equipped" to serve children who are neurodivergent, Theresa Lewis said, and said the expanded service would address a shortage of suitable childcare in the city.
Council members and staff said state procedures require the planning commission to issue a recommendation before the council may act. A council attorney noted the council must review the ordinance establishing the planning commission and provide legal guidance before proceeding. The council asked the city clerk to provide the relevant ordinance and signaled the item will return for further review once legal and planning documentation is supplied.
Theresa Lewis said the home is about 1,800 square feet, she would employ five staff and that Department of Human Resources licensing rules (square footage per child and age‑based staffing ratios) would determine final allowable capacity. Council members welcomed the application but repeatedly emphasized they must follow the planning and legal process before voting to change zoning.
