Bnei Brak Residents Protest Daycare Opening in Apartment Building

Residents of the "Sofrim" complex in the new Ayelet Hashachar neighborhood in northern Bnei Brak are protesting the opening of a daycare center in a garden apartment within their building. Thirty-seven rights holders across 25 apartments filed objections in late July, arguing that no decision had been communicated to them, they were not invited to a hearing, and no proof of approval was presented. Despite this, the daycare began operating and accepting children on September 1.

The Bnei Brak Municipality claims the objections were reviewed and the request complies with zoning regulations. The daycare operates in a garden apartment that is part of a duplex with a basement, located in a seven-story building. The residents' objection, spanning 272 pages and submitted via attorney Doron Ariel, raises concerns about the application process, residents' right to object, traffic and safety implications, noise pollution, and changes to the residential environment. Some residents also fear a potential 15% decrease in property values.

Residents report that their attempts to get information from the municipality about the objections' status have gone unanswered. Meanwhile, renovations to adapt the apartment for the daycare continued through August. When residents questioned the operator about opening before a decision on their objections, they were told the matter was approved and necessary permits were in hand. The municipality's website indicates a decision was made on August 26 to schedule the matter for a subcommittee, but no hearing date was specified.

One resident, who purchased his apartment in 2021, stated that the building's internal location was a key factor, as corner buildings were planned for commercial use and daycare facilities, while internal buildings were designated solely for residences. "I bought the apartment in the internal building precisely because we knew the corner buildings had daycares and commerce, and ours didn't," he said. "If I had known a daycare for dozens of children would open opposite my windows, I would likely have looked for an apartment elsewhere." Residents only learned of the plan in July via a poorly placed notice, and renovations were already underway.

Residents argue the daycare will strain building infrastructure and create noise and traffic congestion, with the garden's courtyard facing adjacent apartments. They are concerned about constant noise from dozens of children and the influx of parents during drop-off and pick-up times. The residents' committee representative stated that most apartment owners did not consent and plan to appeal the decision to the Appeals Committee, vowing to pursue all legal avenues. They also point to unused public spaces within the complex that could have been used for a daycare instead of converting a private apartment.