Commission backs short-term parking spaces outside National City daycare

The National City Traffic and Safety Commission voted unanimously to forward a staff recommendation to install two parallel 15‑minute parking spaces in front of My Signature Suite Family Day Care, 2110 Elles Avenue.

Maria Miranda, a small‑business owner and the daycare operator, told the commission she has run a licensed childcare in National City for 13 years and at that address for nine years, and that recent changes to apartment sticker parking across the street have left parents double‑parking during drop‑off and pickup. "Parents have to double park… it's getting very difficult," she said, urging the commission to act.

Staff summarized a site visit and recommended limiting the spaces to 15 minutes during peak childcare hours to preserve turnover. A staff representative said the recommended restricted times are 7:00–8:30 a.m. and 4:00–6:00 p.m., and that the applicant would pay a one‑time fee of $800 for public‑works labor and signage. "Based on staff's due diligence… staff recommends to grant the resident to pay the fee of $800 for the work performed by public works," the report said.

Commissioners asked about hours and enforcement; the operator said the proposed times would suit most drop‑offs and pickups and reduce instances of double‑parking. After discussion the chair moved to approve the staff recommendation; the motion was seconded and approved with aye votes. The commission will forward the recommendation to the City Council, where staff said it will appear on the consent calendar at the council's next meeting (likely the second meeting in September). Final implementation depends on City Council approval.

Practical next steps: if City Council adopts the recommendation, Public Works will install markings and signage and the applicant will remit the indicated fee. Residents will be able to comment at the City Council meeting if they wish.