Local News in Brief : Orange : Planning Body Approves Chapman College Plan

Chapman College early Tuesday morning won unanimous approval from the Orange Planning Commission of its long-range development plan, despite criticism by Old Towne residents who complained about the growing private college. The commission, however, recommended several changes in the plan, including a lower height limit for new buildings than the college requested.

By a 5-0 vote, the planning commissioners recommended that the Orange City Council approve the so-called “specific plan” for the college with the proposed changes. The council, which has the final say, probably will not vote on the plan until late November, senior planner John Godlewski said.

About 15 residents of Old Towne, the area of older homes surrounding the college, spoke against aspects of the college’s proposed plan. About five other residents of the college area spoke in favor of the plan, Godlewski said.

“We are really heartened by the results of the commission’s meeting,” said James Doti, acting college president.

Both Doti and Godlewski said the major change in the college’s plan recommended by the commission involved height limits for any new buildings.

The plan asked for a limit of 84 feet for any buildings on the campus south of Walnut Street and a limit of 72 feet north of Walnut. The Planning Commission, however, recommended that the council approve a limit of 55 feet south of Walnut and 40 feet north of Walnut.