Hearing Focuses on CSUN Development

Cal State Northridge and city officials met with residents Monday at a public hearing in Sherman Oaks to discuss a proposed biotechnology research and development center on the north side of campus.

Frank Parrello, the city planner representing the Los Angeles Planning Commission, said he will use the information gathered at the hearing for a report the commission will consider before voting on the project in May.

The project will “create jobs [and provide] a huge economic opportunity for Northridge and the Valley at large,” said Arthur J. Elbert, the university’s president of administration and finance.

The CSUN master plan for a 65-acre portion of the north campus includes 35 acres already built with apartments and calls for construction of an entertainment production complex on 22 acres and a biotechnology research facility on eight acres.

Monday’s meeting at the Sherman Oaks Woman’s Club concerned only the construction of five buildings that would compose the research facility, plans for which are further along than the rest of the development, according to university administrators.

University officials addressed concerns voiced by about a dozen residents about the project, dealing with such issues as lighting and security.

The Planning Commission will vote on the CSUN project as part of its regular agenda at a 9 a.m. meeting May 14 at the woman’s club.