Citing concerns over noise and traffic, Planning Commission denies daycare center

PHOTO BY ALEX DOMINGUEZ

The site of a proposed daycare center at 7542 Suva St.

DOWNEY — The Downey Planning Commission denied an appeal to allow the operation of a large family daycare in a residential property at their meeting on Tuesday.

Downey resident Sandra P Castro Magallon submitted an application on April 16 to run a daycare for up to 14 children at her single-family residence from the proposed hours of 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

This was denied by the city, however, citing potential nuisance to neighboring properties and traffic concerns.

The 6,022 sq. ft. property is located at 7542 Suva Street, on the south side between Guatemala and Wiley Burke avenues.

Tuesday brought Magallon– who was joined by her legal representation – an opportunity to convince the commission to reverse the city’s initial decision. Several community members – many of which are Magallon’s neighbors – also came out to speak on the issue, mostly in opposition.

Magallon’s attorney, who primarily addressed the commission in her client’s stead, argued that any concerns on the basis of concentration, traffic, parking, and noise were hypothetical and not based on an actual study, and that Magallon’s proposal met all ordinances in terms of a large family daycare.

She also added that Magallon is already running a smaller daycare, and that it would only be adding a few more children.

Magallon and her corner were unable to sway the commission, however, who voted 3-0 in favor of the city’s initial denial.

Commissioner Jimmy Spathopoulos said that it was “pretty clear” that the needs of the four essential elements of the plan - concentration, traffic, parking, and noise – were not met.

“Those other items I think are really big items,” said Spathopoulos. “I think we need to focus on traffic. I think we need to focus on spacing. I think we need to focus on noise, not only when it comes to daycare, but when it comes to everything.”

“As planning commissioners, it’s our job to listen to what [staff] is telling us, and understand if they’re telling us this then it has to be that way. If those four items are not met – with just one being an opportunity to deny – we have to take that in consideration. I think there’s overwhelming support from council to strongly take that position.”

Vice Chair Miguel Duarte and Commissioner Patrick Owens were absent from Tuesday’s meeting.