The Yosemite Community College District, which includes Modesto Junior College and Columbia College in Sonora, recently finalized the purchase of more than four acres of land at the intersection of Fulkerth Road and Dianne Drive in Turlock.
YCCD Trustee Abe Rojas, who represents Turlock, Denair, Keyes and Hughson, says the land could be developed to include a satellite education center in Turlock.
While the land purchase is finalized, Rojas cautioned that due to lack of funding from YCCD or the state, construction could be as long as 10 years away.
“When we passed the bond (Measure E) in 2004, I made the commitment to find land in Turlock for a satellite and that commitment was finalized in May at our last board meeting,” said Rojas. “We liked that site because the infrastructure is already there to develop and its proximity to major roadway arteries, but the problem is that neither we or the state have the money to develop it.”
Later this month, Rojas said, the board will meet again to discuss the development of a process for community input regarding what the satellite will offer to potential students
“At this time we don’t know what will be at the satellite center but right now it looks as if it could be a center to accommodate 200 or so students,” said Rojas.
While a satellite center seems like a long time until development, Rojas noted the possibility of forming a partnership with the private sector could expedite the process.
The next scheduled board meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 31 at the YCCD Board Room, 2201 Blue Gum Ave, Building 1200, Modesto. More details will be made available after the meeting.
Related Article:
MJC Purchasing Land for Turlock Campus
The photo in the article shows the land near Fulkerth Road at Dianne Drive, and I can’t find Dianna Drive anywhere on the map. Maybe the author can enlighten us. (Or proofread)