San Gabriel Valley : Both Sides Appeal Zoning Ruling on Nursery School

In the latest round of a heated dispute over whether to let a renowned Pasadena nursery school increase its enrollment from 65 to 80, both the preschool’s owner and neighbors opposed to the change have appealed a zoning officer’s decision to split the difference.

The city’s Board of Zoning Appeals will hear the case April 17. Both sides came away unhappy with Zoning Hearing Officer Paul Beard’s decision last month to issue a permit allowing the Aria Montessori School to enroll 72 students in September.

Beard based his decision on the Euclid Avenue school having parking spaces for one administrator and six teachers, and a legal requirement that permits 12 students per teacher.

“I need more teachers for the safety and welfare of the students and I need there to be more students to stay in business,” said JoAnn Aria, the preschool’s owner, who admits to operating with 71 students--six more than the city allows. Aria said she is willing to compromise at 75 preschoolers.

Neighbors, who have complained about noise and traffic, are also appealing because of Aria’s designation as a day-care facility. “If it’s found to be a school, the laws and regulations are more protective of the neighborhood,” said Jeff Ellis, president of the Madison Heights Neighborhood Assn. Neighbors want the school limited to 65 students.