CSUN Plan for Research Firms Backed

A plan to bring biotechnical and biomedical firms to the North Campus property at Cal State Northridge received unanimous preliminary approval Wednesday from the California State University Board of Trustees.

In offering its support, the board praised the project as a stable revenue source that would generate $2 million to $3 million annually and offer academic linkages to the university community.

CSUN President Blenda Wilson outlined the proposal during a 10-minute presentation before the board gathered for a two-day meeting at the chancellor’s office in Long Beach.

“They commended the president and university for the direction we were going in,” project consultant Frank Wein said after the meeting. “They also said we will be at the forefront of universities in the development of public-private partnerships with academic ties to the biomedical park.”

Now, school officials must complete development plans for the 28-acre site, complete an environmental-impact report and negotiate a lease agreement with the research firms before returning to the board for final approval in May, Wein said.

Wednesday’s smooth presentation before the board contrasted sharply with an earlier controversial proposal for a retail center at the site, a plan that was withdrawn just before it was to be presented to the trustees last September.

Although the proposed retail complex would have employed a few hundred students, opponents contended it offered no academic benefits to students or faculty members.

Neighbors had also complained about possible noise and traffic congestion and local shop owners feared increased competition.