Residents representing the neighborhoods adjacent to Cal Poly's controversial dorm site are working to stop construction, and have recently filed a lawsuit to do just that.
The Alliance of SLO Neighborhoods filed the legal paperwork last month to prevent Cal Poly from moving forward with construction on the proposed freshman dorms.
Alliance Chairperson, Linda White, says her group wants Cal Poly to come up with solutions for what the group sees as major design flaws for the project. At issue, according to the group, is an inadequate Environmental Impact Report.
The group says it's worried local taxpayers will be stuck with the bill to solve issues not addressed in the report's findings.
"They’ve made very little attempt to negotiate the glaring deficiencies...all we want Cal poly to do is to adhere to CEQA Law and this is all we’re asking,” said White.
White says she is optimistic they can succeed based on legal advice.
"Yes, we did have a case, a very good case and they were very interested," said White.
Neighbors have been fighting the dorm plans since last fall. Cal Poly leaders are working with university attorneys on a response to the lawsuit.
"Cal Poly respects the process and respects our neighbors, and we look forward to a resolution of this case. Our housing project will bring 1,475 additional beds to campus, enhancing our students’ experience and their academic and social success. It will also result in more students living on campus and fewer living in the city’s neighborhoods.
“Our administrators and staff members are meeting with our attorneys now to determine how the university will respond to the suit. We are awaiting further detail on when the case will proceed through the court,” said Matt Lazier, university spokesperson.
The dorms are planned near the intersection of Slack and Grand streets, where a parking lot now sits.