NORTHRIDGE : CSUN Head Criticizes Foundation Action

Cal State Northridge President Blenda J. Wilson chided the administration of the independent CSUN Foundation Tuesday for imposing an unpopular rent increase on residents of the University Village Apartments without notifying the foundation’s board of directors.

But she made no decision on whether to scrap the increase, and instead took the issue under advisement.

“It is uncomfortable to find out about this decision through the complaints of those affected,” Wilson told foundation Executive Director Don Queen at a meeting of residents and foundation board members that she convened Tuesday.

Residents of the complex at 10021 Zelzah Ave. submitted to Wilson a petition with about 100 signatures protesting the rent increase of $25 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and $30 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. With the increase, a one-bedroom apartment will rent for $525 and a two-bedroom will rent for $680.

At Tuesday’s meeting, several members of the board seemed inclined to support the residents. John Clendenning, CSUN English professor, said the board leased the housing from California State Universities last year to help entice prospective faculty and staff with below-market rents.

“What this rent increase effectively does is back away from an important principle used in authorizing this,” he said.

Queen said the increase is needed to pay an extra $60,000 per year to lease the 120-unit complex. Queen said the Cal State University chancellor gave the foundation a break on the lease for the first year of operating the apartments, but will require the full payment next year.