College to Hold Forum on Use of Farm Patch

Cerritos College is offering one last chance to anyone opposed to turning a quaint strawberry patch into a golf training center.

Oct. 17 is the deadline for proposals to develop 17 acres of college land at 166th Street and Studebaker Road in Cerritos--where for 15 years a strawberry field has thrived and endeared neighbors.

College officials insist that although profitability is a main concern, proposals must also be both student-oriented and temporary, because any lease will be limited to 20 years in case a better use is discovered later.

Despite some community opposition to the project, so far only the golf center has attracted developers’ interest, officials said. Preliminary plans call for a lighted driving range, a 1,600-square-foot classroom facility and grassy areas to practice putting, chipping and pitching.

College spokeswoman Lilia Rodriguez said administrators understand residents’ concerns that the golf facility could impact the surrounding neighborhood. That is why a a community forum has been set up to discuss the site and its potential uses. The meeting is 10 a.m. Monday in the college board room at 11110 Alondra Blvd. in Norwalk.