Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Early Childhood Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Commission approves Stretch the Imagination preschool expansion at 2509 Bush Street
Summary
The San Francisco Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional-use authorization to legalize and expand Stretch the Imagination preschool at 2509 Bush Street to about 3,900 sq ft for up to 48 children, after staff and neighbors described traffic controls and a community liaison condition to address noise and pick-up concerns.
The Planning Commission on Feb. 24 unanimously approved a conditional-use authorization to legalize and expand an existing preschool, Stretch the Imagination, at 2509 Bush Street.
Department staff presented the item as case 2010.0673C, saying the proposal would formalize a 2007 first-floor conversion and add the second-floor unit for a combined total of about 3,900 square feet serving up to 48 children ages 2'5. Staff's recommendation included conditions to address neighborhood impacts and noted the applicant agreed to a required community liaison to field neighbors'concerns about outdoor play and noise.
Michelle Lawton, founder of Stretch the Imagination, described the program's Reggio-inspired, play-based approach and its long history in the neighborhood, saying the expansion would increase capacity and help fund scholarships. "We have invested not only in the children that we love, but also in our teachers," she said, outlining teacher training and higher wages.
Neighbors and experts, including psychotherapist and neighbor Eric Stein, testified in support. Stein said he observed efficient drop-off and pick-up routines and that outdoor play noise had not been disruptive from his office next door. Multiple parents, teachers and community members also described the program as high-quality and urged approval.
Commissioners cited the city's shortage of preschool slots and the project's neighborhood management. "Preschool is scarce in this city," one commissioner said, praising the program's local orientation and scholarship plans. The motion to approve, including the community-liaison condition and standard project controls, carried on a unanimous roll call.
The commission approved the conditional use with the conditions described by staff. The approval authorizes the legal change of use and allows the sponsor to proceed with any remaining building permits and operational conditions required by other city agencies.
The project now moves forward to permit processing; staff and the sponsor will implement the community-liaison condition and other standard operational requirements described in the commission's motion.
