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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