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Cumming awards permit for new private school
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Plans for a new private, Christian school in Cumming cleared the City Council on Tuesday night.During its regular monthly meeting, City Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit for Epiphany Orthodox Christian School of Mathematics and Science.The private school will be housed in three suites of West Maple Office Park, 514 W. Maple St.Principal Sydney Lee was among several people who spoke in favor of the plan during a public hearing that preceded the vote. No one spoke against the permit.Lee said plans are to open in March or April with an initial enrollment of about 25 preschool students and expand to include additional students in grades K-5 in fall 2013.“We’re very excited to offer the community, not just Cumming but the surrounding communities, the opportunity for more education and continued business growth,” she said.Lee said the school likely would remain in the office park for at least three years.Scott Morgan, the city’s director of planning and zoning, said the planning and zoning board recommended the council approve the permit with several conditions.Among them were letters of support from surrounding businesses that use the office park, which Morgan said he had received, as well as the approval of future parking, safety and playground plans.The board also asked that the council revisit the issue in June 2013 after school leaders have a better handle on enrollment and future plans. Mayor H. Ford Gravitt also made a condition that a traffic study be completed to determine if any road improvements were needed to support a school.