ORANGE : Day-Care Expansion Denied After Protest
The City Council this week voted unanimously to deny a woman’s request to expand her home day-care facility.
The council overturned a zoning administrator’s decision to allow Sarah Gibbs of 1130 E. Buoy Ave. to expand her family day-care operation from six to 12 children. In May, Zoning Administrator Mary Ann Chamberlain ruled that Gibbs’ proposal met city requirements and that state law obligated her to approve Gibbs’ permit.
That decision was appealed by Councilman Gene Beyer, who said that issues of noise, traffic, parking and safety--factors under city control--had not been adequately addressed.
About 30 residents representing both sides of the issue attended the session.
Gibbs’ supporters commended her for providing their children with a caring atmosphere and a much-needed service. Gibbs’ husband, law student Kevin Gibbs, told the council that “the real issue here is that some of our neighbors resent the fact that our neighborhood is changing” because young families with children are moving into the area.
Neighbors against the expansion said that the presence of 12 children at the facility each day would drastically change the character of their quiet cul-de-sac.
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