The California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to authorize Chancellor Timothy P. White to negotiate on behalf of the system with the State of California for the planned transfer of the 287-acre Lanterman property from the state to Cal Poly Pomona. The property is the site of the former Lanterman Developmental Center, which closed in December 2014.

“We celebrate the significant step in the long-term process of the CSU and Cal Poly Pomona receiving the Lanterman property from the State. Lanterman holds much promise and opportunity for the university and greater community. Cal Poly Pomona is committed to partnering with local communities on win-win solutions to create economic development, enhanced quality of life and educational opportunities,” said university President Dr. Soraya M. Coley.

“The process of developing a master plan for a property of the magnitude of the Lanterman property will take time, meaningful engagement, healthy compromise and everyone working together. As with any transaction of this size, there are several key regulatory and other requirements that must be met before the university can take possession of the property,” Coley said.

Cal Poly Pomona has already begun conversations with its neighbors, including the communities of Pomona, Walnut, Diamond Bar, City of Industry and Los Angeles County, all of which surround the Cal Poly Pomona campus and the Lanterman property, on how they could work together to maximize the benefit of the Lanterman property to the campus and the broader community should the transfer take place.