In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a proposal to rezone and permit variances for properties located at 441 and 445 West 11th Street, currently home to Little Angel Academy. The proposal seeks to change the zoning from R1, a single-family district, to R3, a multiple-family district, to accommodate the expansion of the existing kindergarten and first-grade school, which serves a maximum of 19 students.

Cesar Mestre, representing the academy, outlined the need for several variances, including reduced side and rear setbacks and a parking variance that would allow only four parking spaces instead of the required 13. The proposal also includes a conditional use permit to legalize the educational use of the properties, which has been operating without city approval.

The properties in question are situated on a dead-end street, which Mestre argued minimizes traffic disruption. However, parking remains a significant concern, exacerbated by existing substandard conditions in the area. The applicant has committed to several conditions aimed at improving parking management, including keeping designated parking areas operational during school hours and ensuring that on-street parking does not obstruct sidewalks.

The meeting highlighted the challenges of parking in the neighborhood, where many multifamily buildings have inadequate parking facilities. The proposal aims to address these issues while allowing the school to continue its operations legally. The committee recommended approval of the rezoning and variances, contingent upon the applicant's adherence to the outlined conditions.