Central Oregon is one step closer to having a four-year university. On Tuesday, September 4, 2014, a City of Bend hearings officer gave approval for the Oregon State University-Cascades Westside campus land use application.

This decision gave the university the green light to build on the 10-acre land parcel at Southwest Century Drive and Chandler Avenue in Bend.

Overall, the approval affirmed the university officials’ decision to bring the four-year campus to the area, according to OSU-Cascades Vice President Becky Johnson.

“We’re very pleased with the outcome,” Johnson said. “It affirms what we believe – that the site is a great location for a university campus that can deliver world class education and contribute to the surrounding community.”

This decision can be appealed within 12 days of the decision. If an appeal is submitted by opposing groups such as Truth in Site, the City of Bend will decide whether to hear the appeal.

Truth in Site asked that all queries be directed to their attorney, Jeff Kleinman, who was unavailable for comment at time of press.

Regardless of if an appeal is submitted, OSU-Cascades is already planning the next steps.

“Now we focus on creating a university campus that will serve students, continue as a strong partner with COCC, and become an asset to the community,” said Kelly Sparks, associate vice president of Finance and Strategic Planning.