NORTHRIDGE : Council Panel Votes Against Preschool

A Los Angeles City Council panel voted against a proposed Northridge preschool and day-care center Tuesday and supported an appeal by neighbors who fear the school will create traffic problems in the residential area.

The council’s Planning and Land Use Committee voted 2 to 1 to support the appeal of neighbors who want to halt a proposal by Fernando and Sherri Segre to convert a home on Devonshire Street to a preschool for 36 children.

Representatives of the North Valley Homeowners Assn. said the preschool would create traffic headaches and set a precedent that would allow other commercial projects into the neighborhood.

“This is not the place for a preschool,” said Dennis Smith, a neighbor who called the project a “commercial intrusion.”

Another neighbor, Patrick McDonaugh said there is an abundance of preschools in the area. He said a survey by the homeowners group found that there are 35 other preschool or day-care centers within three miles of the project.

But Sherri Segre tearfully asked for an opportunity to show that her preschool would not cause a problem. Her proposal called for a review of the project after one year, at which time the city could impose more restrictions or close the school.

“Children are our future and I ask you to look into the future,” she said, choking back tears. “I’m pleading for you to give me a chance.”

Councilwoman Laura Chick said she would support the school if the number of children were limited to 24 instead of 36. By law, Segre can have day-care for 12 children without city approval.

But Councilmen Hal Bernson and Richard Alatore voted to support the appeal. Bernson said he feared the preschool would set a bad precedent for the neighborhood. The entire council will have the final say on the project June 22.