Board denies rezoning that would have allowed private special‑needs school at Carter Gallier (5–0)

Planning staff presented a request from Lighthouse Learning Academy to rezone a roughly 2.1‑acre parcel from Light Industrial to Commerce Center so the academy could operate a private K–8 school serving students with special needs. The applicant’s narrative projected an initial enrollment of about 60 students with growth to roughly 90 and a staffing level of 25–30 positions. Staff noted a conceptual building of about 12,000 square feet with a potential 6,500‑square‑foot addition and cautioned that private‑school tax‑exempt status would be determined administratively by the commissioner of revenue.

Several supervisors said they supported the concept of the school but were concerned the rezoning at this location would constrain future siting of higher‑impact industrial uses near existing heavy industrial neighbors. One supervisor noted limited industrial parcels in the county and said preserving industrial land is important to meet strategic goals for economic development; another raised concerns about potential separation standards that limit heavy industrial uses near schools.

After discussion, a motion to deny O‑2026‑05 carried on a roll‑call vote recorded as all board members voting in favor of denial (denial motion carried 5–0). The board noted alternative commercial parcels exist where the academy could locate by right and reserved the right to address siting questions through staff and applicant conversations.