Jackson is looking at some proposed childcare land use designations. The Jackson Planning Commission is in the process of reviewing modifications to its Land Use Element.  As part of that process, the city has been collaborating with local organizations that have recommended policies to the commission. Joyce Stone of the Amador Child Care Council, or ACCC, proposed several policies that would allow the City of Jackson to “facilitate and promote the development of child care centers and homes in all areas, and encourage inclusion of child care centers in non-residential areas.”  Stone noted that there is a shortage of day care centers in Amador County.  In 2004, the ACCC conducted a childcare needs assessment that found that Amador County had enough childcare spaces to accommodate only 24 percent of Amador’s working parents.  Today, the need is just as great, especially for infant and toddler care facilities, says Stone. 

The ACCC’s recommendations to the planning commission propose that the city “streamline processing and permit regulations to promote the development of child care facilities.” Additionally, those recommendations include that the city provide incentives to, as well as require, developers to build daycare centers in or near their developments.  Some citizens questioned the use of the word “streamline,” saying that word was too vague.  Stone explained that term was used to mean that the city would take all steps possible to encourage and promote development of daycares.  Stone’s suggestions will be incorporated into the draft General Plan, which will eventually go before the Jackson City Council.  The Planning Commission will continue their review until the next scheduled meeting on April 21st.