Sept. 17, 1997
Contact: Bruce Erickson or
Carmen Ramos Chandler,
(818) 677-2130
berickson@exec.csun.edu
cchandler@exec.csun.edu
"In a way, we're turning lemons into lemonade," Wilson said.
The university's efforts won praise from the trustees, who said they were impressed with the patience, tenacity and scope of cooperation between CSUN administrators, faculty, staff, students and contractors.
"If you look at the size and scope of the undertaking, it is a phenomenal positive activity and I applaud you for it," said trustee James H. Gray of Long Beach. "You've done a magnificent job under the most difficult kind of circumstances."
Wilson told the trustees that the university has already repaired and restored 76 buildings; another 25 are being repaired and six new buildings are in the process of being designed. Two buildings and a parking structure have been demolished, and another building is scheduled for demolition next spring.
The university has received approval for more than $286 million in recovery funds, 90 percent of it from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and ten percent from the California Office of Emergency Services. Wilson said the university expects to submit more reports of damage and recovery expenses that will probably total an additional $42 million.
Wilson said the university was grateful for the cooperation FEMA has shown during the reconstruction process.
She said the university is in the design phase of five major new structures, including a new building for its arts, media and communication programs, a new administration building, a new facility for health and human services programs, a new technology center, and reconstruction of the wings of the Oviatt Library.
Wilson told the trustees that the university is also engaged in a major planning effort to redesign and vitalize the campus' landscaping, pedestrian and traffic plans.
Much of the university's landscaping, paving and utility systems were damaged as a result of the massive reconstruction activity and the placement of temporary buildings that were set up on parking lots and intramural fields.
Wilson said the plan still faces a lengthy process of campus review, public comment and certification of the final environmental impact report by the trustees.
Wilson also told the trustees that the university would withdraw its request to the board to certify the final environmental impact report for development of an upscale retail center on the northern portion of its 65-acre North Campus property.
Instead, she said, the university plans to pursue the recommendations of a 28-member task force of university faculty and staff, community organizations and homeowner associations.
The "concept plan" proposed by the task force urges the development of entertainment industry-related projects, such as sound stages and post-production facilities, that would relate to the university's academic programs such as its new Entertainment Industry Institute. The institute was established to build a strong alliance with the Hollywood community by developing curricula and degree programs, coordinating internships, providing on-site classes in studios and supporting research on the entertainment industry.
The task force's plan also recommends a smaller retail development, construction of a new football stadium for the university and a hotel and conference center.
California State University Chancellor's Office Press Releases
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