City approves YMCA rezoning, zoning change and special use permit to expand childcare and campus facilities

The Staunton City Council on June 25 approved a string of actions requested by the YMCA of Staunton: a conditional rezoning, a zoning‑code amendment and a special use permit for its New Hope Road campus.

First, Council approved the YMCA's request to rezone 802 North Culture Street from B3 (Planned Business) to P1 (Professional) conditional; staff said the change would create a buffer between the YMCA campus and adjacent low‑density residential zoning. Josh Cole, executive director of the Stanton/Augusta YMCA, told Council the organization may market or re‑use the property; planning staff said a site plan and building permits would be reviewed if the use changes.

Second, Council adopted a zoning code amendment to allow private day nurseries and kindergartens (facilities serving six or more children) in R1 and R2 residential districts by special use permit. Staff recommended the change so the city can evaluate individual locations and impose conditions where needed; commenters urged that accessibility and disability considerations be part of special‑use reviews.

Third, Council approved a special use permit for the YMCA's New Hope Road property (roughly 35 acres) to allow a year‑round daycare for up to 120 children, a teen center (up to 130 teens during the school year), athletic fields, basketball courts and a future pickleball complex. Staff reported a site plan under review that shows 204 parking spaces (the development's calculated requirement was 84), and a traffic impact analysis that found no offsite improvements required on New Hope Road. Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions including: all structures/uses in the floodplain must meet floodplain regulations; arrival/departure activities and required parking shall be onsite; exterior lighting limits (full‑cutoff fixtures, 3000K maximum, no stadium lighting for athletic fields, lights off by 11 p.m. except for approved events); screened dumpsters; and maintenance of fenced play areas and Virginia Department of Health childcare requirements.

Council approved each measure by roll‑call votes. No members voted against the measures during the recorded roll calls.