CSUN Moves Hearing About North Campus

Seeking to accommodate as many guests as possible, Cal State Northridge has changed the location of a public hearing scheduled for tonight to discuss a plan to develop its North Campus property, the university has announced.

The 7 p.m. meeting has been moved to the University Student Union’s Grand Salon. At issue is the environmental impact of a proposal to convert portions of CSUN’s North Campus lot into a profitable retail center.

In May, the Cal State University Board of Trustees approved Hopkins Real Estate Group of Newport Beach to construct a 225,000-square-foot upscale shopping center on the Devonshire Street site between Lindley and Zelzah avenues. Cousins Properties of Atlanta has pledged to finance the project, which is expected to include tenants such as Bristol Farms Market and Borders Books.

According to university spokesman Bruce Erickson, tonight’s hearing is intended to allow the public to voice concerns about environmental issues related to the project, such as traffic, noise, air pollution and aesthetics.

The hearing is a precursor to an environmental impact report to be drafted in the fall by a Los Angeles consulting firm, Environmental Science Associates. Community members may also submit written comments to be considered in the report if they are received by Sept. 3.

Free parking will be available for tonight’s event at a former elementary school adjacent to the campus at Zelzah Avenue and Prairie Street.