SAN CLEMENTE : Trustees Considering Site for New College

The Saddleback Community College District is considering a 300-acre parcel as a possible site for a third campus.

Although the consideration is described as preliminary, trustees have asked an architectural firm to determine how much of the vacant parcel can be used for construction.

A representative of the firm, which is preparing a review of the district’s campuses in Mission Viejo and Irvine, gave a brief oral report to trustees last month during a closed session. A final written report is expected within the next few months, according to district spokeswoman Diane Riopka.

The 300 acres is in the northeast part of the city, north of Avenida Pico and Avenida La Pata, on a spot where developers originally planned to build a residential and commercial project, said Dave Lund, the city’s economic development manager.

The parcel is considerably larger than the district’s two college sites. Saddleback College, in Mission Viejo, is on 200 acres, and Irvine Valley College, in Irvine, is on 100 acres, Riopka said.

Acreage in San Clemente for a community college educational center--and in the long run, a campus--has been the subject of discussion dating back more than five years, Riopka said.