by Timothy Rutt
Los Angeles County planning staff is recommending that the regional planning commission deny the Arroyo Pacific Academy's bid to locate a campus at 183-205 East Palm St.
A staff report issued Thursday said that "The proposed project is inconsistent with the goals and policies of the Altadena Community Plan … The proposed project would be a drastic intensification of use compared to the previous group home for children on the site. The project would equate to a 434% increase in the number of people using site and a 62% increase in vehicle trips expected on Palm Street."
The increased activity "would adversely impact the existing neighborhood by altering established traffic and noise patterns currently enjoyed by the low density character of this neighborhood." The staff said that establishing a school on the site was "incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood pattern and would adversely affect the health, peace, comfort, or welfare of persons residing or working in the surrounding area."
The staff recommendation to deny a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) means the school is 0-5 as it makes its way through the approval process. The Altadena Town Council and its Land Use Committee have each denied the request twice.
The county Planning Commission is scheduled to hear Arroyo Pacific's request on April 4, and will send its recommendation to the county Board of Supervisors.
Among the factors working against the school, according to the report, are the location's proximity to residences, the quiet suburban character of the neighborhood, lack of sidewalks, and the strong objections of the neighbors.
The complete package of analysis, along with public comments and other documents, are available at http://planning.lacounty.gov/case/view/r2008-00985
The hearing is scheduled for 9 AM on Wed., April 4, at Room 150 in the Hall of Records, 320 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles.
UPDATE: Arroyo Pacific President Philip Clarke emailed us Friday morning: "We are studying the planning staff report and will bring responses to the planning commission at the April 4th hearing."
Note: Arroyo Pacific Academy is an Altadenablog advertiser.
