Is University MarketCenter Right for Area?

The University MarketCenter, proposed for the Cal State Northridge north campus, is a project that has sparked a unique debate about land use, competition and the benefits of having a major university in the region.

To supporters, the 20-acre retail development is a good fit for the community. It would offer upscale shops, create jobs for students and bring revenue to university programs. The project would also offer services not currently being offered by local businesses, supports said.

But to opponents the project is nothing more than a strip mall that would bring noise, traffic and trouble to local merchants and businesses. In their view the project is also an inappropriate use of school property.

Would the University MarketCenter be the right project for the community surrounding Cal State Northridge?

Frank Wein, consultant for the North Campus Development Project:

“We’re still doing a whole series of meetings with homeowners groups and neighbors to discuss their ideas and to make the project better and consistent for the area. . . . There are several things. One, we need to do a much better job of meeting and discussing. . . . Studies confirm there is an unmet need for retail in the area. The uses we are proposing for the property are not currently in the area. We’re going to be filling a niche that is not filled right now. . . . It’s anticipated this will be a long-term additional revenue stream to support our educational programs.”

Jim East, governmental affairs chairman for the Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce:

“We actually don’t really like the idea for several reasons. Probably one of the biggest is the university property is a valuable piece of property to the San Fernando Valley as a whole, not [monetarily], but for what it could be used for in the future. . . . Additionally, it’s state property and we don’t feel that the university should use that property in a way that would compete against taxpayers. . . . Competition isn’t always bad for business. But you’re talking about state property out there.”

Fred Gaines, chair of the land-use committee for the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn., which has not taken a formal position on the project:

“I think it’s a good project and it’s one that will be a sparkplug for other developments in the Valley. . . . To me, it’s a good opportunity for public/private relations. . . . The neighborhood concerns are legitimate, but can be dealt with [in] certain ways. The parking and traffic problems can be controlled.”

Susan Parmelee, president of Northridge Townhome Estates, 217 townhouses next to the proposed project:

“It must consider its neighbors, its private homes, its townhouses and its rental units. It must be nicely landscaped. There must be some form of noise abatement, pollution [control] and if it is done correctly . . . keeping in mind its neighbors, then, we will all benefit from it, and if not, we will all go down together. . . . [Northridge Townhome Estates’] only egress and ingress and access is on Lindley and therefore will be greatly impacted by the additional traffic.”

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