Coming on the heels of its swift formation, a local citizens committee has met several times with Chapman University officials and made progress to identify top concerns of Old Towne Orange residents living near the University.

Called the Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC), the group includes representatives from a variety of leadership organizations, ranging from the Old Towne Preservation Association to the Orange Barrio Historical Society. Membership also includes City of Orange representatives, including Mayor Teresa Smith. Chancellor Daniele Struppa praised the NAC for its commitment to enhancing community and university relations.

“I am grateful for the time, energy and ideas the committee members have already contributed to this process. I’m certain that by working together we are going to identify solutions to key neighborhood issues that will have a positive impact in the near future and over the long term,” Struppa said.

At its first meeting, the NAC listed concerns it most wanted to address. They included expansion of campus-based student housing, the overflow of student parking in neighborhoods, improved strategies for dealing with party houses and the need for Chapman to appoint a lead spokesperson to facilitate community interaction.

The idea for the NAC grew out of fall semester conversations Chapman President Jim Doti had with community leaders.

Featured image at top/From left, Robert Hitchcock, Jeff Frankel and Jerry Price, at a recent NAC meeting.