College Trustees Hear Pros, Cons of Pierce Golf Proposal

Pierce College’s 240-acre field is many things to many people: a farm, an eyesore, a classroom, a money pit, a scenic vista or a future golf course.

Indeed, the land filled at least as many roles during Wednesday night’s Los Angeles Community College District Board meeting as there were scheduled speakers: 137.

Among the first presenters was Eddie Milligan, the Lake View Terrace developer who wants to build a golf course and equestrian center on the land.

Milligan’s plan was approved by the Pierce College Council in January. But the board of trustees is also considering two rival golf course proposals presented by C.W. Ahn Engineering LLC and Lowe Enterprises & Katell Properties. The board may also decide to start the bidding process over.

Agriculture students packed the Pierce College auditorium, and tensions ran high, with golf course opponents wearing “Save the Farm” T-shirts and supporters wearing “Save Pierce College” stickers.

Business professor David Braun, a member of the advisory committee that recommended Milligan’s golf course plan, discounted fears that the school’s agricultural programs would be harmed by the proposed development.

“I keep looking for the downside and I don’t see it,” Braun said. “If you don’t want change as we move into the year 2000, then there is a downside.”

Two farm supporters confronted him as he walked back to his seat.

“What happens to the animals?” asked one woman.

“What’s it going to cost the average citizen to play golf?” asked a man.

Braun conceded that he did not have all the answers.

“Oh yeah?” said the interrogator, walking away. “You’re pulling the plug . . . . “

Another golf course supporter argued that agriculture is now a small part of the school, accounting for only 2.5% of its classes.

“Pierce is not an agricultural school, but a typical undergraduate school with an agricultural department,” he said.

Gary Hennecke, a Pierce graduate and Chatsworth resident, derided Milligan’s plan to offer horticultural and hospitality classes with the proposed golf course.

“Your present plan is to deal with land developers and [teach Pierce students] to mow lawns and flip burgers,” he said.

Carmelita A. Thomas, vice president of academic affairs, read a statement by outgoing President Bing Inocencio, who was absent due to orthodontic surgery.

In his statement, the president, who some contend lost his job for starting the process of developing the farm, said Milligan’s proposal would generate badly needed income while preserving the best of Pierce’s agricultural program.

“I strongly urge the board to approve [Milligan’s] proposal because it would mean the financial survival of Pierce College and the academic revival of our obsolescent agricultural program,” he said.

Elizabeth Garfield, president of the board of trustees, said the full board will consult with a newly hired asset manager before deciding which, if any, proposal to approve.