The Rainbow Day Care Center is coming to Lakeland.
After unanimous votes by two Boards today (8.28.18), the new facility on U.S. Highway 64 by St. Paul United Methodist Church plans to close on the property this week or Sept. 4 by the latest
The MPC/DRC (Municipal Planning Commission/Design Review Commission) met in called meeting this afternoon to approve architectural elevations and materials. City staff recommended the cedar shingle option and the MPC/DRC approved that version.
Following that meeting, the BOC (Board of Commissioners) met in special session to approve a resolution development contract for the Center on subdivision lot 2. The Church address is 2949 Davies Plantation Rd.
Attorney David Wade, representing EIG14T RCCC 223 TN-Lakeland LLC (developers of the property) noted that with today’s approval, closing on the land would be Thursday (8.30.18) or next Tuesday at the latest. He said this is a great thing for Lakeland and good for everybody. After closing, he expects construction to start as soon as possible.
There were plaudits from both Boards for the new Center and developers working to bring it to fruition. Mayor Wyatt Bunker said, “We appreciate your diligent work on this. As I look at this thing (the renderings), I think it is a ton better. I want to thank the Rainbow folks and Mr. Wade for working with us. I fully support this.”
Acting Chair for the MPC/DRC, Jim Willis, commented the Boards have been dealing with the plans for the Center since December. “And Rainbow has been accommodating. This is something the City can be proud of. It is a way to attract families with children to our City which leads to growth of our City.”
Background on the project
The Church decided to subdivide and sell 2.35 acres along their western boundary. The applicant sought to erect a day care facility on that property. In the future they are considering a facility dedicated to children with autism. They asked for a 30’ landscaped buffer instead of the required 50’ buffer and were granted the variance.
They came before the BOA (Board of Appeals) in December and then several times before the MPC/DRC and BOC before the final decisions were made today.
https://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/788
https://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/789
… Photos by Lakeland Currents.
