AltaMed allowed to see more patients

DOWNEY - The AltaMed adult day care facility at 12130 Paramount Blvd. can expand its client base after the City Council on Tuesday rejected an appeal from a Downey resident who raised traffic and parking concerns.AltaMed received permission from the Planning Commission on April 6 to expand its maximum number of clients to 160, at the same time doubling its staff from 20 to 40. Resident Bob Davila, who lives immediately south of AltaMed, paid $875 to file a formal appeal to the council, objecting to an anticipated increase in bus and van traffic, potential damage to a block wall that separates the two properties and insufficient parking. The AltaMed property contains 47 parking spaces, including handicapped stalls. Testifying before the City Council, representatives from AltaMed said most of its patients are bused in and out, minimizing the need for parking. Other employees carpool and some use public transportation, they said. Patients are kept indoors at all time, except during monthly fire drills when they are briefly taken outside onto the sidewalk, the representatives said. Council members unanimously sided with AltaMed in denying the appeal. "I see nothing...that would make me want to overturn the Planning Commission's ruling," said Councilman David Gafin. AltaMed operates several adult day care facilities throughout Southern California, including facilities in Lynwood, Pico Rivera and East Los Angeles.

********** Published: May 26, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 6