Planning and Zoning approves day cares, elects officers

The Cape Girardeau Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of two day-care projects and elected its officers for the new year.

The commission gave unanimous approval to James and Keisha McReynolds for a special use permit to operate a day care center at 1540 Independence St.

The couple operate a facility from their home on Albert Rasche Drive On Oct. 11 they came before the commission asking for permission to increase their maximum number of children from 10 to 20.

They encountered neighborhood resistance that night and the proposal was voted down by commissioners. The couple have since purchased a new property on Independence Street, but discovered it was one of only two in the vicinity zoned R-2 single-family.

"We figured we'd find a place in a commercial area and this turns out not to be commercial," Keisha McReynolds said.

The commission also voted in favor of the request of Rhema Word Breakthrough International Ministries for a permit to operate a day care and preschool at its existing church at 750 Mount Auburn Road.

Beginning at the commission's next meeting new Planning and Zoning officers will take over. Charles Haubold will become chairman, taking the place of Skip Smallwood. Bill Hinckley will become vice chairman and Ralph Maxton secretary.

Officers are elected annually.