ELLISVILLE, Miss. ( WHLT ) – A special needs daycare center in Ellisville asked for a zoning exception after being deemed in violation of the city’s residential zoning ordinance.

Haven Overstreet opened Naomijoy’s Hopeful Hearts on Ivy Street about two months ago. The facility helps care for and provide resources to children with learning disabilities.

Overstreet said on Friday, March 15, she attended a public hearing to address zoning concerns.

The City of Ellisville’s attorney said she violated the R-1 zoning ordinance, which states to run a home occupation, a relative must live at the residence, and no one outside of the family must be employed. The attorney said she also violated advertising restrictions.

Overstreet was given until April 16 to request a variance from the Board of Aldermen. She said to shut down the facility would be a disservice.

“There’s not even a special needs daycare around here, just a normal daycare. As far as getting the services that your child needs in an affordable way, it’s nonexistent. I know that there’s two certain places in Hattiesburg where your child can get services, but we’re all the way in Ellisville. The closest thing from Hattiesburg, there’s one in Magee, but even the ones in Hattiesburg don’t accept Medicaid. So, our low-income families are completely without any resources unless they drive all the way to the coast,” Overstreet stated.

If the board approves the variance, an exception will be made. If not, Naomijoy’s Hopeful Hearts would have to come into compliance or move to another location.

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