West Allis plan commission approves two neighborhood child-care centers and a small church with conditions

The West Allis Plan Commission on an evening vote approved conditional-use permits for two neighborhood child-care centers and a small religious assembly space, with staff-required conditions intended to address site safety, landscaping and signage.

Planning staff described Scholars First Education at 614 West Lincoln as a mixed-use build-out of about 1,100 square feet with no infant rooms, an anticipated enrollment just under 20 children, two supervisory shifts and an 800-square-foot play area that will replace three to four on-site parking spaces. Emily, planning staff, told the commission the applicant, Tasia Hayes, proposed hours primarily on weekdays and that Department of Human Services (DHS) approvals could affect final hours. Staff recommended approval contingent on a revised site and landscaping plan, screening for an on-site dumpster, a higher-quality fence than the existing chain link with specified height details, and a building signage plan.

Applicant Tasia Hayes responded to a commissioner question about fencing, saying, “I don't mind to change the type of fencing,” and said she had proposed a six-foot fence (the state minimum cited in the record is four feet) while exploring living-hedge options and cost estimates for replacement.

At 5868 South 81st Street, planning staff recommended approval of Discovering Scholars Academy, a conversion of a former liquor-store space into a child-care facility that the staff presentation said could serve up to 30 children from infants to school age with hours intended to serve first- and second-shift workers (staff noted a 6 a.m. opening and midnight closing in the applicant materials). Staff asked the commission to require additional details on the outdoor play area (location and equipment), a refuge and screening plan, and minor landscaping such as planter boxes; they also recommended removal of an old, dilapidated sign if it would not be reused and standard building and signage permits.

The commission discussed existing rear chain-link fencing at the Discovering Scholars site and the planning staff noted that an existing, nonconforming fence that is not visible from the street may be allowed to remain; new fences would need to meet the higher-quality materials requested.

On a separate agenda item, the commission approved a conditional-use permit and site plan for Divine Covenant Church to occupy suite 2011 at 10533 West National Avenue for interior-only worship services, Bible study and offices. Pastor Fred Baker told commissioners the congregation currently numbers about 8 to 10 people, that the group is renting the suite, and that no baptisms, weddings or funerals are planned at the location.

All three approvals were made by motion and voice vote and carried that evening; planning staff noted each is still subject to final approval procedures through the common council and any required building and signage permits.

The decisions reflect a concentration of small, neighborhood-scale reuse projects that planning staff said will add child-care capacity, support shift workers, and repurpose existing commercial space while adding conditions intended to mitigate impacts on nearby residents.