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Commission adds private schools to MXC/MXI zones and approves Queen of the Apostles school at 151 Broad Street with parking condition
Summary
The commission approved a zoning text amendment to allow private schools by special exception in MXC and MXI zones and simultaneously approved a special exception and site plan for Queen of the Apostles Preparatory Academy at 151 Broad Street, conditioned on a documented agreement for use of Saint Sebastian’s parking for student pickup and drop-off.
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to amend the zoning code to add private schools as a special-exception use in MXC and MXI mixed-use zones, and then approved a separate special-exception/site-plan application for a private school at 151 Broad Street (Queen of the Apostles Preparatory Academy).
Staff explained the change addresses a gap in the use table where private day schools were not explicitly allowed in certain mixed-use zones, despite historic precedent for schools in those corridors. The amendment will require each private school use to come forward as a special-exception application so the commission can evaluate traffic, circulation and neighborhood impacts on a case-by-case basis.
Karen Roach, director of Queen of the Apostles Preparatory Academy, presented plans to operate a classical Catholic program initially serving K–8 (with a broader K–12 program planned) and described partnerships for dual-credit coursework. On logistics, Roach said the school intends to use Saint Sebastian’s parking lot for pickup and drop-off during school hours and indicated she has a letter from Father James confirming permission. "We are hoping to get the word out," Roach said, describing early interest from local families and teachers.
Commissioners asked about grade levels, enrollment and the mechanics of pickup/drop-off; the commission made the school’s ability to document the parking arrangement a condition of the approval. The motion to approve the zoning amendment and the school’s special exception passed unanimously.
