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Planning commission approves permit for 24‑child childcare center at 101 W Broadway
Summary
The Milton‑Freewater Planning Commission voted 4‑0 to grant a conditional use permit allowing Maria Hernandez to open a 24‑child childcare center at 101 W Broadway, subject to state licensing and provision of certification to the Planning Department.
The Milton‑Freewater Planning Commission on May 4 approved a conditional use permit allowing Maria Hernandez to operate a childcare center for up to 24 children at 101 W Broadway.
Staff recommended approval after finding the property meets city code standards for size, outdoor play area and traffic. Planning Assistant Kassidy Ruiz told commissioners the subject parcel contains about 2,384 square feet of interior space and approximately 1,972 square feet of enclosed outdoor play area, meeting the city requirement of 1,950 square feet for 24 children. Ruiz also noted six striped on‑street parking spaces adjacent to the business identified for parent drop‑off and pick‑up and that staff parking could be provided at Hernandez’s existing facility at 133 W Broadway.
Maria Hernandez, the applicant and operator of Little Ardo’s Academy, said her current center has a standing waitlist and that the new site would help meet local demand. "Childcare is in high demand everywhere," Hernandez said. She told the commission the building will require remodeling and that she hopes to open in June pending state licensing.
Chair Nathan Lyon closed the public hearing after no members of the public spoke in favor or opposition. Commissioner Reilly Miller moved to adopt the staff findings and approve the conditional use permit with the condition that Hernandez obtain and provide proof of all required Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care licensing; Commissioner Margo Piver seconded. "All were in favor," the record shows; the motion carried 4‑0.
The approval is conditioned on compliance with state licensing. As staff noted, final operation also depends on the Department of Early Learning and Care’s review of building, sanitation and fire‑safety standards; the commission required that copies of all required certifications be provided to the Planning Department before opening.
The commission did not set additional local conditions beyond the licensing requirement. The conditional use item began with the public hearing opening and staff presentation and concluded with the adoption of findings and approval by unanimous vote.
