New Plan To Reduce Number of Housing Units and Remove Housing from “Farm Neighborhood”

MARCH 19 , 2007 – Pacific Union College today announced plans to unveil major changes to its Eco-Village project at community meetings this April, including a reduction in the number of housing units and the removal of a neighborhood proposed in earlier plans.

“We have always said that we would listen to people’s concerns, take them to heart, and address them as our vision of a sustainable community unfolds,” said Dr. Richard Osborn, president of PUC. “Our public process is working. We are committed to responsible change, open dialogue with the community, and to ensuring PUC’s educational, spiritual and financial goals far into the future.”

The revised project, which is still under development, will reduce the total number of units in the project and move housing out of “The Farm” neighborhood located near the Angwin airport.

Specific changes will be presented to the public at Pacific Union College’s Paulin Hall auditorium on Tuesday, April 3 and Tuesday, April 24, 2007. Both meetings are 6:00-8:30 p.m. The format includes a short presentation of the new designs followed by an “open microphone” for the community to voice their opinions and ask questions.

“We understand that no matter what we do the project will have critics and some people are simply against change,” added Dr. Osborn. “However, recent analysis by project critics is premature because of the changes to the designs and the need for an Environmental Impact Review.”

PUC will develop and improve a portion of its land holdings as an environmentally sensitive “green” village. Funds from the project will increase the college’s endowment as part of a long-term financial strategy to secure a strong future for the institution. PUC’s endowment will be invested to grow income and to improve aging facilities, provide new student and faculty housing, fund student scholarships, and offer more competitive academic and staff salaries.

Some of the features that will remain in the project include no loss of agricultural land, preservation of forestlands, open space and trails, and use of renewable energy, including solar power for new homes and businesses.