Commission backs rezoning for Lighthouse Learning Academy to allow private K–8 school

The Planning Commission recommended approval of rezoning case 25‑21 to allow Lighthouse Learning Academy to locate a private K–8 school on a 2.1‑acre parcel in the South Creek area. Staff told commissioners the proposed 12,000‑square‑foot building would serve an initial cohort of about 60 students with a potential later expansion of about 6,500 square feet and eventual capacity near 90 students.

"This is a is a private school for neurodivergent, children," planning staff said in describing the applicant’s intended use. Applicant civil engineer Lane Hartgroter said the school plans staggered drop‑off times to avoid peak congestion: "The plan is to have a staggered drop off... it's 10 at a time over increments of 20 or 30 minutes," he said. Staff and commissioners noted parking, circulation and fire‑department access will be finalized during site‑plan review, and that several agencies had no written comments because a site plan had not yet been submitted.

A nearby resident urged the commission to require a sidewalk along Carter Gallier Road to accommodate future pedestrian demand; staff said sidewalk and pedestrian improvements are matters to be coordinated with site‑plan review and the county thoroughfare plan. After discussion the commission voted to recommend the rezoning; the recommendation will go to the Board of Supervisors for a final decision on Jan. 26.