NORTHRIDGE : Neighbors Oppose Day-Care Center

A proposed day-care center in Northridge has won tentative approval from the city of Los Angeles, but opponents are already rallying to keep it from opening.

Sherri Segre, who wants to move her existing Northridge day-care center to a house on Devonshire Street, may open the preschool and day-care center for 36 children provided she abides by a long list of operating restrictions.

The restrictions--imposed by Associate Zoning Administrator John Parker on Dec. 2--are not enough for members of the North Valley Homeowners Federation, who say they will appeal the decision to the city Board of Zoning Appeals. They say that no matter how much Segre tries to disguise the preschool as a home, it will still look and feel like a business.

“Would you want to buy a house right next to a school with 36 children?” asked Gloria Rothenberg, past president of the federation. “Who’s to say we don’t have a right to protect our property values?”

In his decision, Parker said he was persuaded by arguments that preschools have a difficult time getting permits to operate in commercial areas, since busy streets are considered a danger to children. The city can’t ban day care from both business and residential areas or there would be no day care, Parker ruled, in essence.

The opponents have until Dec. 17 to file their appeal.