A proposed daycare expansion on Eighth Avenue is getting mixed reviews among city councillors and neighbours
The Record - New Westminster
29 Dec 2007
By: Theresa McManus

The city has received an application to rezone the property at … Ave. from single detached dwelling districts to a site-specific zone for the property that would allow a group daycare having 12 children aged three and under. The applicant has operated a family daycare, which allows up to seven children, out of the main floor of the home since the summer of 2006.

"I am not in support of this recommendation. I do understand child care is a need in all communities," said Coun. Betty McIntosh. "The lane, the people who are living right there say it has become unsafe and noisy."

McIntosh doesn't believe it's appropriate to expand daycare operations at the site, given the community's opposition. …

Several neighbours have spoken out against the proposal because of concerns about parking and vehicle traffic in the lane.

The applicant has installed signs at the rear property line advising "Do not block lane" and "No stopping in lane" and has instituted a daycare policy and parent agreement that all parents must sign, which lists rules for pickup or drop-off at the rear of the house.

The applicant has agreed to pay the full cost of installing of speed bumps and related signage in the lanes. While some residents support the speed bumps, others are opposed.

"There is a huge need for daycare spaces in the city. People have their children on a waiting list for a year or longer," said Coun. Bill Harper, noting the applicant is trying to increase the number of children from seven to 12. "We are adding five children into this."

Harper said the applicant has agreed to install signs and has tried to make pickup and drop-off more orderly. "For me, I am satisfied," he said. "I think things will work out here."

… He expressed concern that increasing the number of children from seven to 12 will have "quite an impact level" on the neighbourhood. Osterman said noise would result in a residential home being used more for business purposes, and safety risks would increase with cars traveling in lanes after dark.

"It's a real concern to me," he said. "It is absolutely unsafe. Lanes are not well lit."

Dave Guiney, planning analyst, said the engineering department has investigated and determined speed bumps could be installed on the lane. He noted that many of the people who voiced concern about speed bumps did so because they want their own children to continue to be able to play and skateboard in the lane.

"That was a common reason why they did not want speed bumps," he said. …