VAN NUYS : Day-Care Center Proposal Rejected
A city zoning official decided against granting a conditional use permit for a controversial residential day-care center Monday after nearby homeowners and City Councilwoman Joy Picus opposed the project.
Citing the prospect of too many children, too much noise and a poor drop-off plan, Associate Zoning Administrator Albert Landini denied Michelle Ventimiglia’s permit to convert a home on Keswick Street into a 48-student day-care center.
Monday’s public hearing brought out about 40 supporters of Ventimiglia. But a handful of homeowners appeared in opposition, along with Jim Dawson, an aide to Picus.
“There’s no question there’s a need for day care in the community, but she just needs a bigger site,” said Dawson. Not all homeowners opposed the site. “I have been looking desperately. I’ve been driving to Encino because I haven’t been able to find the kind of day care I want for my children,” Jocelyn Borboa told Landini.
Ventimiglia, who was offered help from Picus’ office to find another site, is unsure if she will appeal the decision.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
