In a few short years, the campus as we see it today will look very different as decisions are being made now regarding the Campus Master Plan.
Some of the changes to come are meant to resolve difficulties with parking and traffic on the I-10 freeway, improve shuttle routes, include accessible routes, improve transit connections and add additional bike lanes — all as a result of increasing student enrollment, according to a master plan update from earlier this year.
The university will be partnering with architectural firm Ayers Saint Gross in a $1 million project for the campus master plan, though the costs can fluctuate due to changes, Interim Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning Daniel Johnson said.
Ayers Saint Gross works with colleges and universities throughout the U.S., and has worked with Arizona State University, the University of Virginia and the University of Delaware, among others, according to its website.
CPP’s master plan is a result of a research-based analysis which considers the school’s enrollment, traffic, transit and infrastructure, as well as other characteristics. It incorporates data from similar universities, as well as precedents adopted by those universities, according to the university’s webpage.
First-year visual communication and design student Timothy Lee Jr. is excited for many of the changes to come as a result of the master plan, though he does not agree with some of the university’s rebranding efforts.
“It was a strange step adding a whole ‘nother color and completely redesigning the logo without really consulting the graphic design program here,” Lee said.
Now, Lee said he notices himself steering away from representing the new logo.
“Most of the time if I’m going to buy something, I’m conscious of the new logo and want to make sure that I don’t have it on,” Lee said. “It doesn’t really represent how the school was when I was entering.”
While there is no taking back the new logo, students can be proactive in the master plan’s decision-making process.
The university’s previous master plan was adopted in 2000, the university’s website states.
Johnson said the current master plan would create improvements to transit in and around the school.
“Anybody who wants to lose a couple of pounds goes on a diet and similar to this we are placing the campus on a road diet to lessen car circulation through the campus,” Johnson said.
The anticipated changes on campus would lessen traffic so that other transit systems, including the Bronco Express, will have greater access through the university.
A partnership with Foothill Transit is also in the works to improve CPP’s transit. The partnership would include a Foothill Transit “class pass” program where transit would be paid for by the university and be free for students.
Other transit innovations include a Metrolink partnership and connections with San Dimas and the Pomona North Station.
Traffic at the university is an anticipated issue and efforts to clear traffic off the I-10 freeway include converting the intersection off the freeway into a four-way stop.
Once reaching the university, through traffic will be directed around the campus toward East Campus Drive instead of through the campus, according to Johnson.
Despite the recent addition of a parking structure, there’s still a high demand for parking on campus, and the master plan includes incentives for individuals parking farther from campus by lowering the cost of passes in lots that are distant from campus.
While parking farther from campus could be quite a task, an improved shuttle service could remove the hassle of walking long distances.
With the popular demand for the Bronco Express Shuttle Service, the master plan includes some changes to the shuttle service, which includes shuttles with fewer stops, shorter travel times, shorter intervals between buses and buses with front and side doors, according to the update.
According to the master plan, improved shuttle routes would develop transportation to remote locations of the university and provide routes with disability service access.
Before creating new shuttle stops, they will be tested throughout the university.
Students living on campus have the convenience of not having to commute, though the newest master plan includes a restriction on parking permits for students living on campus and less parking lots for all CPP students.
Less student parking may sound counterproductive, but according to the master plan update, it is meant to lessen the need for long periods of cruising. The number of parking spaces that will be available to students in the reduced lots is currently unknown.
For those who want to know if there’s available parking in anticipation, the university hopes to create technology which includes real-time parking availability.
Valet parking also made its way into the master plan and it might be offered during high demand events or peak times.
The many changes to come are decided by an advisory committee comprised of representatives throughout the university including members from student resource centers, student government, the city of Pomona, campus facilities, the CPP Foundation and others.
The Poly Post contacted members of the advisory committee, but none responded for comment.
Students can voice their opinions regarding the master plan at public forum meetings. Meeting dates have yet to be determined, though more information regarding the campus master plan can be sent to the university’s planner, Julie Tsang, at hjtsang@cpp.edu.
