Naked City

In a 7-0 vote late last Thursday, City Council granted a conditional-use permit to the operators of Sammy's House, a day care center for special needs and medically fragile children. The day care, which sought the permit in order to increase its enrollment from six to 12 children, got the Planning Commission's approval in February, but neighbors appealed the decision to council. Worries about increased traffic and possible property value depreciation as a result of the small business becoming a part of the Hyde Park community topped the neighbors' list of concerns. -- Jordan Smith

Council also approved on first reading an ordinance banning parking on lawns proposed by Council Member Danny Thomas. Now in its fourth draft, the ordinance lets neighborhoods opt in or out of participating; 66 neighborhood groups have signed on, and six have opposed it. Violators would be issued a $40 fine ($20 if paid early.) Council will take up the matter at its May 9 meeting. -- Lauri Apple

The City Council will not meet today, but will reconvene next Thursday, May 9.