Residents of Jamaica Circle have voiced strong opposition to a proposed home-based daycare at 5953 Jamaica Circle, citing concerns over safety, supervision, and neighborhood impact. Multiple neighbors have reported issues with the current state of the property, including overgrown weeds and a lack of supervision for the family's five children, which they believe poses risks to both their own children and the potential daycare attendees.
The Klink family, residing at 5954 Jamaica Circle, highlighted incidents involving unsupervised children playing in the street and a troubling event where a child allegedly chased another with a knife. They expressed frustration over the lack of care shown by the family at 5953 Jamaica Circle, stating that their property has negatively affected the value of their home.
Other residents echoed these sentiments, with Patrick Cahill from 5965 Jamaica Circle noting a decline in the condition of the neighboring yard and raising concerns about the safety of children in an environment where adult supervision appears minimal. Colin Short, living at 5951 South Walquist Lane, requested a taller privacy fence if the daycare were to proceed, emphasizing the need for separation between the properties.
Angie Cahill and Nathan Salazar also expressed their apprehensions, citing incidents of children being unsupervised for extended periods and the potential for increased traffic and disturbances in the neighborhood. Salazar specifically mentioned that the presence of additional children could lead to more calls to local authorities, further straining community resources.
The proposed daycare, which aims to accommodate up to 16 children with 24-hour availability, has raised alarms among residents who question the feasibility of providing adequate care given the current challenges faced by the family. As the community awaits further developments, the concerns raised during the meeting reflect a broader apprehension about safety and neighborhood dynamics.