Council approves West End Baptist Church daycare use permit for 18 children

City Council voted to approve use permit 26-0117 for a daycare operated by West End Baptist Church at 2413 Shell Road. City planner Quinn Heinrich said the proposal would initially serve 18 children (ages 2.5–5) in two classrooms with two staff, with room for future expansion to 36 children and four staff pending additional approvals; staff recommended 11 conditions, including off‑site loading/unloading and caps tied to building‑code capacity.

Pastor Bernice Thomas, identified herself as executive pastor of West End Baptist, described the church's long history of community service and the church’s investment in neighborhood housing and facilities. Several supporters with professional experience addressed council: Donna Oni, a fire and life safety inspector, testified the building has necessary fire and life safety equipment and urged approval. Deandra Williams, a mental health professional and mother, described the local childcare shortage and said families often travel long distances for care. "We need more daycares in the community because our young people are looking for their children to be somewhere safe," Donna Oni told council.

The council moved, seconded and approved the use permit by roll call; the approvals include the 11 staff‑recommended conditions. The council and manager praised the church and staff for addressing childcare capacity as part of broader community resilience efforts.