Independence planning commission approves rezoning to allow church‑run daycare at 19901 E. Missouri 78 Hwy

The Independence Planning Commission voted 7–0 on July 14 to approve case 2612504, a planned unit development rezoning that allows a daycare center at 19901 East Missouri 78 Highway.

Staff told the commission the site — four tax parcels totaling about 16.5 acres at the southwest corner of Jackson Drive and Missouri 78 Highway — has been zoned single‑family residential since 1962. The applicant is seeking PUD permissions to allow a day‑care center use in portions of an existing church building; staff recommended approval with two conditions tied to the PUD application. "Staff does recommend approval of the application, with 2 conditions, tonight," a planner said during the presentation.

Cindy, a member of the Eastside Church leadership team, said the congregation already runs youth programs in parts of the building and proposed weekday daycare to meet neighborhood demand. "It's a wonderful church. We have young families... and we've been told several times that there is such a demand for daycare still in this area," she said.

Steven Newby, financial officer for the nearby Beacon Heights Community of Christ Church, said his congregation does not oppose the daycare but asked whether future changes in the PUD would require another public hearing; staff replied that any future land‑use changes beyond what the PUD permits would require a separate application and review.

After public comment and questions, a commissioner moved to approve the rezoning; the motion passed unanimously 7–0. The commission closed the public hearing and approved case 2612504 as presented; the application will proceed through the city’s administrative steps for PUD approvals and any required permit applications.