Westmont College wants to grow, but many neighbors are worried about the impact. The college has submitted plans to add 370,000 square feet of new buildings over the next thirty years. 1,200 students attend the 60-year-old liberal arts college. Many live three to a dorm room that was designed to house only two.
Students are elbow to elbow in many classrooms. But some neighbors are worried the college will try to increase enrollment if it expands the campus. That is something the college flatly denies.
The Montecito Planning Commission held a informational session, and public hearing this week. Another meeting is scheduled for next Thursday.