Danville’s planning commission will consider a special use permit to allow for a 24/7 child care center on West Main Street at its regular meeting at 2 p.m. Monday.
Lack of access to child care was deemed one of the top deterrents for economic growth in Southside Virginia, according to Virginia Tech researchers.
The applicant, Christine Fuston, is requesting a special use permit for a vacant building near the Caesars Virginia casino resort that is currently zoned for highway retail commercial use.
This designation does not allow for child care facilities, but a special use permit would authorize this use without changing the existing zoning classification of the property, according to the staff report for this item in the meeting’s agenda packet.
Fuston wants to establish Kidzplay, a 24-hour child care center operating Monday through Sunday, according to the packet. It would provide care for about 150 children, ranging from infants to 12-year-olds, and employ about 20 staff members.
“The facility will have designated play areas, nap areas and activity areas to accommodate children of varying ages,” the report says. “Kidzplay will fill a need in the Danville community for parents and caregivers who work non-traditional schedules.”
A 2024 Virginia Tech study designated about 52% of Danville and Pittsylvania County as a “child care desert,” meaning that there’s inadequate access to quality child care. The study found that this is hindering the region’s economic growth.
“By meeting the demand for flexible child care options, our service will contribute to the well-being of local families and enhance the accessibility of the city for both residents and visitors,” says Fuston’s application.
Approval of the special use permit is contingent upon meeting some requirements. The property will need to meet current parking requirements, which call for one space per employee plus one space per four children or clients.
Approval also requires that 50% of that parking be located behind the building.
City staff suggests that the planning commission recommend approval for the permit. City council will make the final decision on this item after the commission’s recommendation.
Also this week, Danville’s Industrial Development Authority will meet at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Airside Development Review Committee will meet at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Airport Commission will meet at 3 p.m. Tuesday and the River District Design Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Thursday.
In Pittsylvania County, the Board of Zoning Appeals will meet at 6 p.m. Monday.
