The details
The childcare center will move into an empty building at 500 N. Coit Road. The City Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval for its rezoning in December.
Willowbrae, a Canadian child care provider, opened its first U.S. location in Georgetown, Texas, in June and currently has five others in the U.S.
The Richardson facility will serve children from infancy to 6 years old, with a maximum enrollment of 220 students.
A closer look
Council members and one resident expressed concerns about the traffic that would be created by drop-off and pick-up at the childcare center.
Senior planner Derica Peters said city staff worked with Willowbrae to produce a traffic circulation plan that would direct parents away from the nearby neighborhood.
“Cones are easy to run over,” said Elise Dougherty, a resident who said she lived near the site. “It’s going to be difficult to keep people from going through the neighborhood.”
If Willowbrae does not properly enforce the traffic measures, Peters said, then council has the option to call a hearing and consider rescinding the special zoning permit.

