Photo by Dan Whisenhunt

The Kirkwood Neighbors’ Organization on Tuesday narrowly rejected a proposal to expand a daycare center on Anniston Avenue.

KNO members voted 17-13 against a special use permit for the daycare with 15 abstentions. Some residents opposed to expanding the center are concerned about opening the door to commercial businesses in a residential district.

The facility currently operates as an in-home daycare center with six children. The special use permit would allow up to 18. The special use permit would transfer to the property’s future tenants.

Neighbors Nolan and Laura Hoistad were among those opposed to supporting the permit.

Nolan Hoistad said the permit, “Creates a different type of rental unit that is more lucrative. We would prefer to foster home ownership.”

Laura Hoistad said approving the permit could set a bad precedent by allowing businesses in a residential area.

“We’re uncomfortable with that door even opening,” she said. “It just doesn’t close.”

The daycare’s owner, Lauren Kilby, said the fears about the center are overblown.

“I don’t even think you guys know I’m there,” she said.  “It’s really a quiet business. They’re toddlers. They’re babies. They’re less than 15 to 20 pounds, most of them.”

After the vote, Kilby said she was disappointed by the outcome. Bill Stephenson, who is handling the site plan for the daycare, attended the meeting. He said the permit will now be considered by the Neighborhood Planning Unit – O and Atlanta’s Zoning Review Board.

During the meeting the KNO also voted to spend $500 to help with the commemorations of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Atlanta. The KNO held the first of two required votes to contribute $1,000 to the restoration of Civil War monuments.

The recent Spring Fling event proved lucrative for the neighborhood group. According to information provided at the meeting, the KNO earned $54,679 in total Spring Fling revenues.