University Heights Plan
Wins City Council Approval
Next step: Approval by the CSU Board
of Trustees
April 21, 2005
By Pam McLaren
University Heights has surpassed another hurdle toward becoming
a reality. Earlier this month, the Fullerton City Council
approved the Cal State Fullerton Housing Authority proposal
to build 42 houses for faculty and staff members on part
of the property now occupied by the Fullerton Elks Lodge
near the corner of Harbor and Brea boulevards.
Councilman Richard Jones, who voted
to approve the plan, said that the project was badly needed
by the university and the Elks. While Fullerton residents
may want to maintain the city's rural character, urbanization
is changing the face of all Orange County as it grows in
population, Jones noted. "This project represents the future
of residential development. The county is changing and
we need to change with it."
Donald B. Crane, professor of finance
and a member of the campus housing authority, spoke to
the university's need to have affordable housing for faculty
and staff in order to be competitive in seeking top talent. "This
project, and others like it, are critical to the university's
future."
Through an arrangement between the Elks and the housing
authority, the Elks will provide about three acres of land
for the new homes. In return, the Elks would receive funding
to build a new 13,000-square-foot lodge valued at approximately
$3 million built adjacent to the University Heights neighborhood.
Additionally, the Elks will receive ongoing payments from
the authority over a 99-year period to pay for the remainder
of the land's fair market value.
The University Heights proposal now moves
to the California State University Board of Trustees for
approval. The next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled
for May 10-11.
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