Faith Baptist granted permit to run private preschool and after-school program at Blackburn Lane

The Hampton City Council unanimously approved a use permit Sept. 9 allowing Faith Baptist Church, at 100 Blackburn Lane, to operate a private school with conditions intended to minimize neighborhood impacts.

City planner Quinn Heinrich presented the application, saying the school would include preschool for ages 3–5 and after-school programming for children ages 6–12, occupy five classrooms within the existing building, and could serve up to 90 children at maximum enrollment. Heinrich said the proposal would construct a 91-by-54-foot outdoor playground enclosed by a six-foot ornamental fence and use the church’s existing 71-space parking lot with staggered drop-off and pick-up to prevent queuing onto Blackburn Lane.

Applicants Amy Eskew and Suzanne Geimer thanked staff and council at the podium; Eskew said, “we would just like ... to thank you for considering, and acknowledging the fact that we do need, good education services and childcare, quality child care.” Staff and the planning commission recommended approval subject to 13 conditions (including compliance with the concept plan, loading/unloading in the parking lot, and construction of the playground within a year). Council approved the permit on a unanimous roll-call vote.