City unable to allow daycare facility in park

By Terry Murry on Thursday, August 19th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – The Pendleton Children’s Center is seeking land for a facility to alleviate the childcare crisis faced by parents in Pendleton, especially those with children who are not yet old enough for school.

The group withdrew a request that it be leased land owned by the Pendleton School District, stating it had another location in mind. That other location was Stillman Park on Southeast Byers Avenue. City Manager Robb Corbett said the city was approached and recognizes the need. However, the planning department said it couldn’t be done.

“The land use laws don’t allow modular buildings inside the historic district,” Corbett said. “That’s the crux of the issue that has not allowed that to move forward.”

Corbett said the organization is not giving up.

“We’re working hard to try to help them find a location,” he said. “The need for daycare couldn’t be greater. They have the momentum, they have the resources to put something together, so we’re doing everything we can to help them find a location.”