MISSION VIEJO : Expansion Nixed for Child-Care Center

The Planning Commission denied an application for an expanded child-care facility last week, saying that not enough curbside parking is available at the applicant’s home.

Carman Altamirano has been allowed to run a day-care center from her house at 28885 Woodcreek for six or fewer children.

A day-care permit for a larger facility would allow Altamirano to take in up to 12 children.

Her house is at the end of a cul-de-sac where several driveways converge onto the street within a short distance of each other, leaving little room for street parking.

Several neighbors complained about Altamirano’s proposed expansion, saying it would lead to more traffic and create a safety problem for several young neighborhood children.

City staff said traffic wouldn’t increase significantly if the permit was approved.

The commission felt lack of street parking was a problem, voting 4 to 1 to turn down Altamirano’s application.

“We have to find the business to be compatible with the neighborhood,” Commissioner Sherri Butterfield said.

“Frankly, we find this application to be incompatible in terms of noise and traffic.”

Commissioner Susan Wilson voted in favor of permitting the large day-care center and indicated she would appeal the decision on behalf of Altamirano, allowing the $500 appeal fee to be waived.

The appeal will be heard in a public hearing before the City Council at a later meeting.