Council approves plan to convert Pod 7 for K–12 academic institution; developer and supporters outline capacity, scholarships

The Village Council voted unanimously Sept. 18 to amend the Village Royale master plan and approve related site-plan and architectural changes to allow a public/private K–12 academic institution on Pod 7. The changes convert the previously designated reference use (charter school) to “public and private academic institution,” add a site plan for a roughly 77,000‑square‑foot campus and approve an associated architectural package. Land‑use attorney Alicia Lewis, representing the applicant, said the proposed campus would include separate buildings for K–8 and 9–12, a 9,500‑square‑foot gym and parking in excess of code requirements. “At full capacity, we anticipate having 1,500 students,” Lewis said. The applicant said the campus will accept the statewide voucher program and provide scholarships on a merit‑and‑need basis; Lauren Hollander, an education/advocacy representative on the applicant team, told council the school operator intends to participate in voucher and scholarship programs to broaden access. Planning Director Bradford O’Brien presented the staff analysis and noted the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval 5–0. The council previously denied a similar change in April 2024 after finding incompatibility with surrounding neighborhoods; staff and the applicant said the current proposal includes design, buffering and site‑plan changes intended to address prior concerns. Approximately two dozen residents and stakeholders signed comment cards in support and a number spoke at the meeting; speakers included property owners and education professionals who cited local demand, existing wait lists at private schools and potential economic benefits of a school that would draw families and employees to the area. Council members asked about walkability, traffic and campus design; staff said traffic impacts had been considered and that parking was provided above the code minimum. Council approved both the master‑plan amendment (regular agenda item 4) and the site‑plan/architectural approval (regular agenda item 5) by voice vote, each passing unanimously.