Construction continues on college field houses

The Fullerton News Tribune

08.17.09

By Barbara Giasone

    Construction is proceeding on the Fullerton College field houses, while plans to install field lighting and extra bleachers remain on hold until an environmental study is completed, North Orange County Community College District spokeswoman Christie Wallace Noring said.
The $21 million project on the northeast side of the campus is funded by Measure X bonds.
    Plans to upgrade the college sports field came under fire earlier this year when neighboring residents – who later formed the Fullerton College Neighborhood Action Council – protested additions they said would impact the surrounding areas with noise, traffic and intense stadium lighting – none of which had been studied in an environmental impact report.
    City Manager Chris Meyer said he, too, at the time was unaware of the extent of the field rehabilitation and believed the city should have been notified about possible impacts on residents.
    During community meetings, college officials said they believed college projects only needed approval of the state architect’s office to move forward.
    Fullerton City Manager Chris Meyer said the city attorney found the “Marina” case, shorthand for a lawsuit filed by the City of Marina in a similar issue, which specifies that cities have to be partners in environmental review processes.
    College district Chancellor Ned Doffoney has agreed to discuss the matter.
    Meanwhile, Meyer, Doffoney and Fullerton Joint Union High School District Superintendent George Giokaris are holding conversations to see if matters can be resolved through the joint use of athletic facilities.
    In such an arrangement, the college would use its new track for daytime track-and-field events, but college football games would continue to be held at the Fullerton High stadium.
    Ken Bane, who heads the neighborhood council, said: “We will continue to monitor the situation, and we’re prepared to take the necessary legal action if things don’t proceed as indicated.”