The Algood Board of Zoning Appeals has approved a new childcare facility to be located at 620 East Main Street.
The Algood Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception since the facility will be located in a general commercial zone. Zoning Appeals Staff Planner Tommy Lee said he was unsure of the history of the rule, but believed it resulted from commercial property being limited in Algood.
“You don’t want to just eliminate the possible for something that can generate tax revenue for a town like Algood,” Lee said. “And so instead of just allowing that as a permitted use, they want to make sure that the property is right for a childcare facility.”
Lee said nearby property owners did not contest the facility, even after notices were sent out. Lee said the board considered the need for childcare facilities when approving the exception.
“The more that we can get, the better it’s gonna be to help folks that are in need of childcare to potentially, you know, we have people that are staying home and not working because they can’t have childcare,” Lee said. “And the more slots you have in daycares, hopefully, that will help these people get back to work.”
Lee said that everything is not final just yet, as there are a few more steps to take.
“There are some other things that they are gonna have to do,” Lee said. “They are gonna have to bring a site plan to the planning commission and some other things, and they will have to get licensed by the state of Tennessee, so this is not a done deal yet, but it is trending in the right direction.”
The new child care facility is a privately owned Christian preschool called Little Acorn Academy. The facility will serve children between the ages of two and five.
