The Hanford Planning Commission, in a 5-1 vote, on Tuesday approved an ordinance change that would allow Chapman University College to move into a business park currently under construction near the mall.

The location -- at the southeast corner of Mall and Bailey drives -- is designated for offices. Colleges or trade schools aren't among the uses allowed in the zone.

After spending 90 minutes deliberating on a potentially tricky issue of amending a zone ordinance and concerns from the public, the commissioners concluded it's worth taking the risk for the sake of keeping the higher education opportunity in town.

Chapman officials said the college is committed to stay.

"This would allow Chapman to be more visible, and better contribute to the community," said Glen Parsons, Chapman's Hanford campus director. "We're excited. It's been a long time coming."

The matter now goes to the city council. The planning commission decision must be ratified before Chapman could go ahead with its plans.

Kingsburg builder, West Star Construction, is developing a three-acre business plaza across the street from the mall. Chapman wants to lease a 12,000-square-foot building -- one of four under construction -- to maintain its presence in Hanford and accommodate an anticipated growth in enrollment.

West Star Construction was seeking a conditional use permit and the city code amendment to make that happen.

On Tuesday, the proposal drew concerns from FAST Credit Union of Hanford as well as Commissioner Danny Escobar, who cast the sole dissenting vote.

"We have a question and concern about the code change allowing uses different from what the general plan allows," Paula Lehn, CEO of FAST Credit Union, said, also alluding to the fact that the company couldn't move to the general mall area even if it wanted to because the city didn't allow it.

"I'm calling for fairness and consistency," she said.

Escobar echoed Lehn's concern throughout the public hearing.

He argued Chapman should move into an area it's presently allowed to be in.

"If we change this code, we would allow others to come in," Escobar said. "That would set a bad precedent. There are other areas that can be considered, such as downtown."

However, the rest of the commission strongly supported the project.

"I'm very pleased with how Mall Drive is developing, and I think it's a logical step in offering better services to our community," said Commissioner Russell Nabors. "I'm more open to changing the ordinance when it serves the best interest of the city."

Commissioner Gary Pannett said he had a "mixed feeling" about an ordinance change but the importance of quality education in town outweighed the concerns.

Chapman College -- an extension campus of Chapman University -- offers the only venue in town, other than the Internet, where working professionals can earn a four-year degree and beyond.

Several students attending Tuesday's meeting told the commission the benefit they received from Chapman's presence in Hanford.

"COS and West Hills don't offer everything I need to earn a four-year degree," said Antoinette Gonzales, a welfare program manager at the county who is seeking a BA in social science.

Needs are growing, Parsons said.

Chapman in the South Valley has an enrollment of 900 each year. By moving into the new, larger location, it hopes to double enrollment in the coming 10 years, Parsons said.

"I could make more money leasing it out to someone else, but it was their passion for what they do that won me over," said Dave Crinklaw, president of West Star Construction. "There's something we can do to make money and something we can do to give back to the community. This helps us give back to the community, because education is everything."

With city approval, Hanford Business Park already broke ground this summer.

If construction continues as planned, the buildings will be ready for tenants to move in by next summer, Crinklaw said.

The reporter can be reached at 582-0471, ext. 3059.

(Nov. 14, 2007)