Cypress : City to Try Again to Get Senior Housing Funded

Turned down twice already, Cypress officials are applying for the third year in a row for federal money to build a housing project for senior citizens.

If the money is granted, the city plans to build a 75-unit project on 1.3 acres on the southwest corner of Lincoln and Grindley, said Mary Venables, assistant city planner.

City Manager Darrell Essex said the senior housing project proposed for the parcel, which is owned by the Cypress School District, would be a first for the city.

Last year, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development turned down the city’s request because of a technicality, said Essex and Reed Flory, a consultant with the Shelter Venture Corp., which is preparing the application. Two years ago, the city was turned down because “we didn’t have enough political muscle,” Essex said.

City Council members last week approved the city’s intention to proceed with the application. Council members also discussed establishing criteria for giving developers greater density allowance, or more units than those allowed by current zoning, in exchange for some lower-income housing. Council members postponed a decision until they hold a workshop, set for June 3, Essex said.

During a public hearing, the council also heard opposition from some residents regarding a request by Manor Builders of Cypress to build 10 condominium units instead of eight at 5462 DeLong Street, Essex said. The residents expressed concern about parking problems if a 10-unit condominium is built, he said. If approved June 10, two of the 10 units would be sold to low-income families.