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Parents and teachers urge council to protect Laguna Beach Montessori amid proposed affordable housing redevelopment
Summary
Multiple Montessori School staff and parents asked council to ensure the school is not displaced by a proposed affordable housing redevelopment at the Neighborhood Congregational Church site, calling the preschool critical for working families.
Several parents, teachers and site leaders told the council the Laguna Beach Montessori School, which operates at the Neighborhood Congregational Church site, should be prioritized in plans for a proposed affordable housing project at that location.
Sarah Rolfing, a parent and working mother, said the Montessori’s extended‑day care and summer programming are essential for families with young children who otherwise would likely leave the community. She asked the council to ensure that the school either be included in any redevelopment or that the city help secure a city‑supported relocation site such as St. Catharines.
Mazin Hassim, the Montessori site director, and program director Javeen Farooqi said the school has operated in Laguna for roughly 50 years and provides continuity for families. They said brokers and realtors have reported a scarcity of spaces zoned for schools, making relocation difficult, and asked the council for “real answers” and concrete direction so the school can plan.
Council members acknowledged the testimony, with staff noting the proposed affordable housing project’s application is not yet complete and that questions of staking, timing and required entitlements will follow. No council action was taken at the meeting; council members indicated they want to weigh the school’s needs as the housing proposal proceeds through formal application and review.
