Some parents in Westlake are fighting a developer’s plan that they say would bring alcohol and crime near their childrens’ schools. Gordon Tokumatsu
Parents in Los Angeles are fighting a developer's plan that they say would bring alcohol and crime near their children's schools.
A series of storefronts along 7th Street in LA's Westlake District — located near five schools — is slated to become a nightclub and some restaurants.
The city has green-lighted the idea for the property — including alcohol sales from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day.
This wouldn't be the first time the neighborhood has been home to nightlife spots, though. Nightclubs dotted the area in the '80s and '90s.
One Westlake parent, Jose Godoy, told NBC4 that the nightclubs brought alcohol and gang activity to the area. Once the nightclubs closed down, the tenor of the neighborhood changed, he said.
A coalition of parents, residents and community members have started a petition seeking to block the developer's plan. The group's petition has already garnered 1,000 signatures.
The "safety of the children" is the group's first priority, parent Alejandra Castillo told NBC4 through an interpreter.
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The parents are concerned that the nightclub and restaurants would expose their children to possible drunk drivers, more traffic and maybe even prostitution.
The coalition was expected to present the petition to Councilman Gil Cedillo's staff late Wednesday.
The developer could not be reached for comment.
