A Brief History of This Saga
County of Napa Makes Childcare Access a Priority
County of Napa Makes Childcare Access a Priority
County of Napa Makes Childcare Access a Priority
2022
The County of Napa Board of Supervisors identified childcare access as a top priority for the county, second only to housing. Of the $26 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds awarded to Napa County $3.8 million were allocated to help make transformative change to the childcare crisis. These funds would go to childcare provider
2022
The County of Napa Board of Supervisors identified childcare access as a top priority for the county, second only to housing. Of the $26 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds awarded to Napa County $3.8 million were allocated to help make transformative change to the childcare crisis. These funds would go to childcare providers around the county to purchase property, make necessary upgrades to new or existing facilities, and to preserve/create new spots.
Board of Supervisors awards ARPA Grants
County of Napa Makes Childcare Access a Priority
County of Napa Makes Childcare Access a Priority
July 2023
After an open application process the Napa County Board of Supervisors awarded the ARPA grant funds to seven childcare providers around the county. LPE was identified as having one of the most effective programs to help retain and grow childcare access.
Le Petit Elephant Identifies 15 Chapel Hill
County of Napa Makes Childcare Access a Priority
LPE Begins the Use Permit Application Process
November 2023
In the Fall of 2023, after a years long search, LPE was given the opportunity to purchase the former LDS church at 15 Chapel Hill. The site had been unused for roughly two years and underutilized for many years prior. At it's peak the building welcomed hundreds of children and families at a time.
15 Chapel Hill was identified
November 2023
In the Fall of 2023, after a years long search, LPE was given the opportunity to purchase the former LDS church at 15 Chapel Hill. The site had been unused for roughly two years and underutilized for many years prior. At it's peak the building welcomed hundreds of children and families at a time.
15 Chapel Hill was identified because it is the only existing location in Napa that checks off all the required criteria for a childcare center of this size; zoning, indoor space, outdoor space, parking and affordability.
LPE Begins the Use Permit Application Process
Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition Organizes "Informational" Meeting - Deliberately Excludes LPE
LPE Begins the Use Permit Application Process
December 2023
The proposed project details are submitted to the planning department, the property is toured by the Fire Marshal and planning commissioners, reviewed by public works, and a full traffic impact study is commissioned per the City of Napa's criteria. In addition the property and structure is fully inspected including for the presence of mold and radon.
LPE Hosts Meeting Open to All
Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition Organizes "Informational" Meeting - Deliberately Excludes LPE
Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition Organizes "Informational" Meeting - Deliberately Excludes LPE
February 1, 2024
The planning department provides a list of 80 neighbor addresses and LPE mails out an announcement for a neighborhood meeting at 15 Chapel Hill to introduce the proposed project, to answer questions, and to hear any concerns. Twenty-two neighbors attend. Some neighbors are open to, or supportive of, the project, while othe
February 1, 2024
The planning department provides a list of 80 neighbor addresses and LPE mails out an announcement for a neighborhood meeting at 15 Chapel Hill to introduce the proposed project, to answer questions, and to hear any concerns. Twenty-two neighbors attend. Some neighbors are open to, or supportive of, the project, while others arrive to immediately voice their opposition. Concerns mostly revolved around traffic and speeding while others seemed more concerned about having to hear the sound of children.
Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition Organizes "Informational" Meeting - Deliberately Excludes LPE
Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition Organizes "Informational" Meeting - Deliberately Excludes LPE
Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition Organizes "Informational" Meeting - Deliberately Excludes LPE
March 21, 2024
Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition organizes a public "informational" meeting at Alta Heights Elementary about the project, but fails to invite anyone from LPE to answer questions or provide clarifying information. After LPE learns of the meeting, coalition members attempt to physically and vocally block an LPE representative from speaking.
City Planning Commission Hearing
Meeting Betweeen LPE and Alta Heights Nieghborhood Coalition
Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition files Appeal
April 4, 2024
Staff recommend approval of the use permit and an exemption from CEQA. Napa Fire Protection, Public Works, and a traffic expert clarify information and answer questions. Both supporters and those in opposition have an opportunity to address the commission.
After a 5 hour public hearing that packed the chambers and spilled out
April 4, 2024
Staff recommend approval of the use permit and an exemption from CEQA. Napa Fire Protection, Public Works, and a traffic expert clarify information and answer questions. Both supporters and those in opposition have an opportunity to address the commission.
After a 5 hour public hearing that packed the chambers and spilled out into the hall, the City of Napa Planning Commission unanimously approves the Le Petit Elephant use permit and CEQA exemption for 15 Chapel Hill Dr.
Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition files Appeal
Meeting Betweeen LPE and Alta Heights Nieghborhood Coalition
Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition files Appeal
April 15, 2024
An appeal of the planning commission's unanimous approval is filed by the Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition. The appeal form is filed by Joan Conversano and the attached letter signed by Thai Pham, Joan Conversano, Stephanie Hahn and Lynne Hobaugh. The appeal will be heard in front of City Council on May 21st.
Meeting Betweeen LPE and Alta Heights Nieghborhood Coalition
Meeting Betweeen LPE and Alta Heights Nieghborhood Coalition
Meeting Betweeen LPE and Alta Heights Nieghborhood Coalition
May 9, 2024
At encouragement of council member, in an attempt to find some middle ground, the two parties meet to discuss neighbor concerns. Coalition members continue to base their concerns on misinformation and are not receptive to the numbers and data provided.
City Council Rejects Appeal
Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition Files Lawsuit
Meeting Betweeen LPE and Alta Heights Nieghborhood Coalition
May 21, 2024
Planning staff recommend upholding the commission's decision and rejection of the appeal. Fire chief, public works, as well as NVTA answer questions. Both supporters and those in opposition have an opportunity to address the council.
After a 4 hour public meeting the Napa City Council unanimously rejects the appeal and upholds
May 21, 2024
Planning staff recommend upholding the commission's decision and rejection of the appeal. Fire chief, public works, as well as NVTA answer questions. Both supporters and those in opposition have an opportunity to address the council.
After a 4 hour public meeting the Napa City Council unanimously rejects the appeal and upholds the planning commission's decision to approve the Le Petit Elephant use permit and exemption from CEQA.
Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition Files Lawsuit
Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition Files Lawsuit
Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition Files Lawsuit
June 24, 2024
In spite of failing to persuade any city officials to support their position the Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition resorts to filing a disruptive CEQA lawsuit designed to exhaust the childcare provider of available resources. Resources that would otherwise be used to help low income families access childcare. This type of
June 24, 2024
In spite of failing to persuade any city officials to support their position the Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition resorts to filing a disruptive CEQA lawsuit designed to exhaust the childcare provider of available resources. Resources that would otherwise be used to help low income families access childcare. This type of lawsuit is frequently used by NIMBY organizations to stop progress on projects that have received full approval.
What Comes Next?
Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition Files Lawsuit
Alta Heights Neighborhood Coalition Files Lawsuit
Will Napa allow NIMBYism to abuse our legal system to block much needed childcare for people who desperately need it throughout our community? If you agree Napa should be a place where children and families can thrive then get involved and take action today!