A proposal to convert an underused office building at 484 Prospect St. into a care facility for functioning memory-loss patients has alarmed next-door neighbors. The La Jolla Community Planning Association (LJCPA) split in its approval of the project at the Feb. 4 meeting. Formerly a Scripps hospital, the building would serve a maximum of 57 residents but medical care would not be provided onsite. Applicant Northstar Senior Living estimates 27 parking spaces would be needed for employees and visitors at one time, and 33 spots are available. Neighbors argued that the daycare facility would degrade their quality of life because of the increased traffic from visitors and employees, and the fact the facility would operate 24 hours per day around the clock. Since the buildings are close together, residents worried about the lack of privacy. Nearly 30 residents attended the meeting to voice their concerns. North Star Senior Living has applied for a conditional use permit (CUP) to change the use of the 17,838-square foot building from office into a care facility. Trustee Michele Addington made the first motion to deny the project because she did not believe it is an appropriate location for the facility, and because of “the increase in intensity and hours of use.” Trustee Dave Little voted against the motion because he said the property owner had the authority to convert the office building into an apartment complex without noticing LJCPA, which would create even more traffic than the care facility. Addington’s motion failed 6-8-1. Trustee Dan Courtney made the next motion to approve the project. “This is a use we need,” Courtney said. “We have schools for children and we need these sort of facilities for people with memory problems.” Trustee Ray Weiss changed his mind about the appropriateness of the site for the care facility, despite opposing the first motion to deny the project. Courtney’s motion failed 7-7-1. LJCPA President Joe La Cava broke the tie and voted to deny the motion to approve the CUP. In other business: • The village has gained 45 new parking spaces since a few activists inventoried parking spaces that are no longer needed for loading or 15-minute parking and can be returned to general parking. • The city is seeking sponsors to save the 186 fire pits that the city has eliminated from its budget. It costs approximately $700 to maintain each fire pit for a year for a total cost of $120,000. The LJCPA meets the first Thursday of each month at the La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect St. For more information, visit www.lajollacpa.org or call (858) 456-7900.