Expansion Plans Announced for Rivertown Child Development in Conway

Big Changes on the Horizon for Rivertown Child Development in Conway!

Hey, Conway! Get ready for some exciting news as our local Rivertown Child Development is gearing up for a big expansion. Thanks to a recent green light from the Conway Planning Commission, plans are moving ahead for a new daycare facility right here in our backyard at 1911 N. Main Street.

A Little Background

For those who might not know, Rivertown Child Development has been a vital part of our community for about 20 years now, providing essential childcare services to working parents across Conway. Currently, they serve over 70 children and have hit the limits of their space. So, what’s the scoop on their expansion?

What’s Happening?

The daycare recently purchased a .32 acre lot at 1926 Fulmer Street and got rid of an old, uninhabitable house that was just taking up space. Now, they’re looking to push through a change in zoning from R-1 residential to Highway Commercial. This will allow them to combine the new Fulmer lot with their existing property and hopefully let them create a wonderful new playground and parking for staff!

Why Now?

The planning commission voted 5-0 in favor of recommending this change to the city council. One of the representatives for the daycare, David Schwerd from Diamond Shores, shared how important this expansion is by saying, “It’s not like we’re doing this so we can put a new McDonald’s in; we’re doing this to provide childcare for the workers in the community.” Isn’t that great to hear?

Keeping It Green!

What’s even cooler about this whole expansion is the promise to keep our trees. The lovely live oak and willow oak trees located on the lot will be preserved as they make a great addition to our outdoor environment!

Addressing Concerns

Now, it’s no secret that changing a vacant lot from residential to commercial raises some eyebrows, especially when we want to keep the charm of our neighborhood intact. Some city officials are worried about the “commercial creep” into our residential areas, as Fulmer Street is mainly residential right now. But Schwerd points out that many areas surrounding this lot have already seen their zoning change to commercial uses in the past.

What Happens Next?

Though the commission’s vote was a big step, the final say rests with the city council after they assess the recommendations from the planning commission. There’s still some debate on whether to go with a less intensive zoning than Highway Commercial, but changing to something else might cut off the potential for growth that Rivertown needs.

Final Thoughts

The expansion will not just benefit Rivertown; it serves as a big win for our community’s working families looking for reliable childcare. The proposed addition of 1,733 square feet would mean more room for kids to play and learn, all while keeping things safe for parents during drop-offs and pick-ups.

So, there you have it! Our friends at Rivertown Child Development are taking steps to ensure they can continue providing exceptional care to our local children while improving the infrastructure for everyone involved. Stay tuned as the city council deliberates on this proposal — let’s keep our fingers crossed for the good folks at Rivertown!

As always, we’ll keep you updated on any new developments. Until then, be sure to support your local businesses and community services! Who knows how much they might impact your life or the lives of those around you?