Campbell Christian School Seeks Addition, Neighbors Ask Council to Deny

Correction: The City Council meeting will take place at 7:30 p.m., not 7:00 p.m.

Campbell City Council will be hearing an appeal at tonight's city council meeting at 7:30 p.m. in council chambers.

Located at 1075 W. Campbell Ave. near Victor Avenue, Campbell Christian School is aiming at expanding its size by constructing a 26,394 square feet building, which would house a two-story classroom, administrative offices and gymnasium.

This new building on the private school campus would allow the school to introduce a middle school curriculum and increase enrollment by 100 students.

Planning Commission approved the project in December 2011 but community members citing the potentially negative impact the increase in population may have on the surrounding neighborhood appealed the decision.

"This is the third appeal this year, which is atypical," said Planning Assistant Daniel Fama.

The first was the , then another smaller one involving a local residence.

"As with any other project, a public notice was sent out to residents within 300 feet of the site," Fama said. "A number of neighbors did show up (on Dec. 13, 2011) and spoke in opposition, but ultimately we decided it should move forward."

Additional noise and traffic were both issues brought up by neighbors, which Fama said were very common and understandable concerns.

"Schools will have impact and can generally be managed," he said. "A school campus means cars and children, which of course means noise."

As part of the Dec. 2011 approval, conditions to keep noise levels down and traffic flowing, including building materials and keeping gymnasium windows and doors closed during use, staggered let out times and monitoring of drop off/pick up by the school were included.

The commission is recommending council uphold its decision to approve the project.