Rezoning will allow Covington day care project to move forward

After a year and a half of work to comply with zoning and planning requirements, Moses and Irene Elliott got approval Monday to rezone their property on North Polk Street and West 31st Avenue allowing for a day care center.

Such zoning requires a conditional use permit, which the zoning commission for Covington granted unanimously.

The Elliotts will have to comply with other requirements concerning commercial building permits and licensing of the center, but their dream is one step closer to fulfillment.

Covington City Councilwoman Frances Dunn spoke in favor of the project, saying there is a need for a day care in the area within walking distance of residences.

“This project would be a great asset and provide assistance to the neighborhood,” she said, adding the center will also provide needed jobs for single moms in the area who could walk to work.

The other day care in the area, run by Greater Starlight Baptist Church on West 28th Avenue, is at capacity and can not accept any more children. Another day care facility in the area has closed.

The planned facility will be 3,860 square feet and will operate between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Irene Elliott, who will operate the center, said she expects to have four or five employees. They hope to have the facility open in April 2009.