Boys and Girls Club proposes west Carson City daycare facility to alleviate 'childcare desert' issues
On Tuesday, Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada CEO Brett Zunino came before the Planning Commission regarding a Special Use Permit allowing for a daycare facility in west Carson City at 2805 Mountain St.
The property, which was previously a law firm, is zoned as Residential Office. The Boys and Girls Club is asking for a recommendation to amend Carson City zoning code to allow for a child care facility within Residential Office zoning.
At its maximum, the facility would provide care to 111 children, with actual operation estimated at around 100 children.
Planning Commissioners spoke positively about the plan, especially because childcare is lacking within the capital city.
“It is a critical need in this community, and we’ve heard that there is a long waiting list,” Commissioner Richard Perry said.
Zunino said they would hope to get final approval and purchase the property in the spring, with a grand opening campaign to follow.
“Nevada was coined a ‘daycare desert’ earlier this year because in Carson City, for every child in day care there’s three waiting for a spot,” Zunino added. “I think every daycare here in Carson City has a waiting list.”
Zunino quoted a study released by the governor, which stated that a lack of daycare — especially affordable daycare — is probably a root cause for the depleted workforce, higher pricing for goods and services, and inflation.
“In other words, it means it’s negatively impacting our community,” Zunino said.
Zunino said that non-profits like the Boys and Girls Club are uniquely qualified to tackle these issues, and opening the facility on Mountain Street would be a “game changer.”
“This is a great location for what you’re doing,” Commissioner Ellen Dechristopher said. “I hope you move quickly so we can get more kids into that facility.”
The property is adjacent to a senior living facility, which Zunino said is intentional as there is much research showing that connecting senior citizens or aging adults and young children is beneficial for both.
“Our goal is work with the (surrounding) community,” Zunino said. “Any concerns that would be brought up, we’re going to address them as best we can to work together to solve this pressing need and help our economy.”
Sheriff Ken Furlong during public comment stated he was in full support of the facility proposal.
“This issue is a major impact for our community,” Furlong said. “I can tell you that even just today, I received the resignation from a member of my own staff over daycare issues. Daycare issues for new families have a major, major impact on the health of our community and I compliment the Boys and Girls Club on this initiative.”
In addition, a number of public commenters spoke in favor of the proposal due to the overall lack of childcare in the area, and its negative effect on the workforce.
One commenter said they were concerned about the traffic and noise the facility could cause.
Staff said they anticipate during peak hours approximately one car every two minutes on average during drop off and pick up. To mitigate noise, the facility plans to employ staggered play times.
Commissioners recommended the Board of Supervisors to approve the recommendation to amend the code allowing for the facility to operate in Residential Office zoning.
To learn more on this facility proposal, click here.