ORANGE : Homes Out, Parking In at Chapman

Chapman University officials have for years viewed the 11 houses on Old Towne’s North Orange Street and envisioned a parking lot in their place.

On Tuesday night, the City Council unanimously approved the university’s plans for the parking lot after an hourlong public hearing and years of negotiations with neighbors.

In about 30 days, officials hope to sell and relocate as many of the houses, built between 1906 and 1920, as possible. Others will be stripped of valuable fixtures and wood working and destroyed to pave the way for as many as 240 new parking spaces to accommodate Chapman’s growing student body.

“When we moved in 13 years ago, we never foresaw that small Chapman College would develop into Chapman University,” said Carol Harnack, who has arranged with Chapman to move her home to another site.

Neighbors of the school have in the past complained about the university’s expansion plans. But several speakers said Tuesday night that Chapman administrators made a much-appreciated effort at public relations this time around, although not all were satisfied.

The university purchased the first 10 homes on the block over many years for $150,000 to $175,000, said Gary Brahm, Chapman’s vice president for finance and administration. The deal for the Harnacks’ house is in escrow, he said.

Several students, who are banned from using neighborhood streets, spoke about the need for more parking. And city officials said the lot should improve parking for all concerned.

“It certainly will remove some of the pressure on city streets,” said Community Development Director Jack McGee.

Brahm said they hope to have the new lot ready by the spring semester this year.