Dowagiac Planning Commission gave conditional approval Monday night at City Hall to Laura Wade’s request to establish a state-licensed, 30-child care center at 410 E. Prairie Ronde St.

The brick building between Oak and W. Railroad streets, which most recently served as a church and previously housed Private Industry Council (PIC) and Dowagiac Union Schools adult education, is zoned medium-density residential.

Adjacent properties, such as the former National Copper Products plant across the street, constitute heavy industrial district.

Wade, of 115 Henry St., Nov. 8 requested a special land-use permit to allow moving her child care center.

No exterior alterations are planned except for an 1,800-square-foot fenced play area State of Michigan guidelines require.

Owners will remodel the interior, including installation of a new handicap bathroom. Hours of operation will be from 5 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Planners’ Dec. 6 action followed a hearing where no public comment was received.

Planners recommended granting Wade’s request based on a determination that: the use will be harmonious and in accordance with the general objectives, interest and purposes of the zoning ordinance; it will be designed, constructed, operated, maintained and managed so as to be harmonious and appropriate in appearance with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity; it will be served adequately by essential public facilities and services, such as highways, streets, police and fire protection, drainage structures, refuse disposal or that the persons or agencies responsible for the establishment of the proposed use shall be able to provide any such service adequately; such use will not be hazardous or disruptive to existing or future neighboring uses; and this use will not create excessive additional requirements at public cost for public facilities and services.

“Ms. Wade told me this afternoon the fire marshal is going to have them put a roof over an exterior entrance to the basement,” advised city Building Official James Bradford. “That could become a means of egress if someone was in the basement and there was a problem.”

“I’ve heard a lot of comments,” planner and Second Ward Councilman James Dodd said, “that there’s a lot of mold in the building from water damage. I’m allergic to mold, so I know what it’s like. It could be bad for kids. That’s the only concern I’ve got.”

“We haven’t had the inspection from the Health Department yet,” Wade replied, “but that’s mandatory that we have, so whatever they tell us we have to do is what will be done. We will have kitchen facilities.”

She told planner, Third Ward Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Leon Laylin that the play area will be developed in the southwest corner of the property, along Oak Street, between the building and an old alley, where there will be less traffic and away from driveways entering the parking lot.

“By state licensing,” Wade explained, “you have to have 60 square feet of outside space per child” — or 1,800 square feet for 30.

New Life Community Church (Calvary Bible Church also occupied the site at one time) moved to the former McKinley Elementary School.

The school district in November 2000 sold the building to the church, which had been at 112 N. Mill St.

Chairman Robert Frontczak, Vice Chairman Dale Hutchings, the deputy fire chief, Dave Daniels, Dodd, Laylin and Mayor Donald D. Lyons supported Wade’s request. Edward Booth and Guy Piper were absent.