COLLEGE LISTS LAND-LEASE TERMS; PIERCE CAMPUS TO GET NEW AGRICULTURE BUILDING.

Byline: Sharline Chiang Daily News Staff Writer

When Pierce College leases out 240 acres of farmland on its campus, it expects to be paid at least $800,000 annually, get more agricultural classrooms and still preserve its open space, according to a request for proposals released Wednesday.

Golf course developers and other companies are expected to hit the drafting board in response to the request by the Los Angeles Community College District for formal proposals from companies interested in leasing and developing the acreage at Pierce College.

The request calls for the winning bidder to pay starting rent of $800,000 a year for the land and to improve the college's agricultural program.

Portions of the farmland serve as labs and house buildings in the agricultural department.

The land is zoned only for educational or open-space uses. Without a zoning change, projects such as strip malls, fast-food restaurants and commercial offices may not be built, but golf courses and equestrian centers are among legal businesses in an open-space zone.

At least eight companies expressed interest even before the 50-page request for proposals was released Wednesday. Many expressed interest in developing a golf course, but Pierce College President Bing E. Inocencio said there also could be projects with academic tie-ins.

``That's why, all along, I've called it a multipurpose academic project. The emphasis is on the academics,'' he said. ``We may not need a golf course to capture the revenue.''

The request calls for bidders to submit proposals for a new agricultural science building completed and ready to use within two years after the leasing contract is signed. The building and grounds must include at least:

Eight classrooms.

Three labs, possibly for radiography, pathology and surgery for small animals.

Ten faculty offices.

Storage space for a veterinary-technology program, pre-veterinary medicine program and other agricultural science programs.

A multipurpose event center, including a covered arena, stables and pens.

Classroom space for a culinary arts program.

The annual land rent will be increased every five years for the first 20 years.

A conference for prospective bidders will be held at the campus at 10 a.m. Oct. 27. The deadline will be Nov. 17. College district trustees are scheduled to select a proposal Dec. 16.

Bids, as well as the companies that submit them, will likely be closely watched by community residents, students, faculty and nature activists, including many who have fought to protect the open space from commercial development.