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Sung's Black Belt Academy seeks county OK to raise after‑school daycare from 19 to 30
Summary
Owners of Sung's Black Belt Academy asked the Calvert County Board of Appeals for a special exception to raise after‑school daycare capacity from 19 to 30, citing state approval, a 12‑child waiting list and established pickup routes; the board granted the exception with conditions including an updated fire‑system inspection and state license showing the higher capacity.
The Calvert County Board of Appeals granted a special exception Sept. 4 to Sung's Black Belt Academy to increase its after‑school daycare capacity from 19 to 30 clients at 10750 Towne Centre Boulevard in Dunkirk.
Applicant Wendy Deeben, who identified herself as a master instructor and assistant daycare director, told the board the Maryland State Department of Education had previously approved the facility for 30 children during the COVID period but county approval limited them to 19. "We have a wait list right now of 12 kids that would really like to join our program," Deeben said, describing two staggered pick‑up runs and a 1:15 staff‑to‑child ratio in each space.
Staff confirmed public‑notice requirements were met and marked exhibits that included the application packet, building permit review and fire marshal inspection. Board members asked about transportation, vans and inspections; Deeben said the program operates three 15‑passenger vans, maintains a check‑off list for pickups and said state licensing specialists inspect the facility at least annually and sometimes quarterly.
In making findings of fact, the board concluded the special exception would not adversely affect implementation of the county comprehensive plan or adjacent properties if several conditions were met. The board required the applicant to provide a current, legible copy of the fire‑system inspection (available from the landlord), a new state use‑and‑occupancy or development program license showing the 30‑child capacity, and an administrative childcare approval letter for the location. The board also limited transferability: the special exception applies to the current owner and lessee and must be renewed if ownership changes.
The board voted to close the record and, after reading findings and imposing the conditions, moved to grant the special exception. The board recorded the approval on the record and instructed the applicants on how to submit the requested documents when applying for permit changes.
The applicants were advised to submit the requested documents as part of the permit process; the board will issue a written order within 45 days of rendering its decision.
