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Sudley UMC aims to add a daycare
The Prince William Planning Commission is recommending approval of a preschool for Sudley United Methodist Church in Gainesville.
Built in 1822, the church is the oldest continuous church in the county, according to county planner John Lassiter.
“The property is immaculate,” he said, noting that the church, located at 5308 Sudley Road, is surrounded by mature trees and an old cemetery.
None of that will be disturbed by preschool.
“No physical additions are planned to the church,” he said, noting that the only change will be a 40x40 play yard for the children.
The only sticking point is the septic system. A large crowd at the church for a few hours every Sunday is one thing. Dozens of people using the building all day long every day is something else entirely.
The church had asked to be permitted for 75 students and teachers but an analysis indicates the septic system can't handle any more than 60. Even that may be pushing it -- a staff report indicates that adding a preschool will increase the flow by 398 percent.
In the end, the commissioners agreed that if the church figures out how to upgrade the septic system and gets approval from state and local health officials, they can expand their occupancy from 60 to 75.
The commissioners voted 4-2 in support with Neabsco's Bruce Holley and Occoquan's Kim Hosen objecting over that leeway in the septic requirements.
Gainesville Commissioner Martha Hendley, a member of the church, recused herself from the vote.
The church backs up to the north side of Manassas National Battlefield Park and a church representative said they had contacted park officials about the preschool request but had heard no objections.
The Rev. Dennis C. Lipke, church pastor, said the preschool will provide a valuable service for the Gainesville community.
“We will be taking care of children,” he said. “We will be loving them and caring for them.”
The matter now goes to the Board of County Supervisors for final approval.
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