Parents Concerned by Paint Proposal

A business owner’s plans to install a spray-painting booth has parents and teachers at a nearby elementary school concerned that fumes may waft onto campus.

Steve Foeller, president of Quality Industrial Systems, a water dispenser refurbishing business at 2116 E. Walnut Ave., wants to add a 9-foot-tall, 13-by-14-foot booth to spray-paint his work. He is awaiting a permit from the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

The booth would be located across the street from Commonwealth Elementary School, about 150 feet from the playground.

Foeller’s permit is expected to be issued within two weeks if he complies with air quality regulations, including one that prohibits emissions from the spray-paint booth, said Fred E. Lettice, an AQMD senior manager. Foeller said he plans to meet all requirements.

At a meeting at the school Thursday night, school district, city and AQMD officials said they are legally required to allow such businesses in industrial zones, even those located near schools.

About a dozen parents said they planned to seek legislation that would outlaw paint booths within 150 feet of schools.