Cypress : City to Get U.S. Funds for Seniors Housing

Its first two applications rejected, the city has won approval with its third bid for federal money to build 75 homes for senior citizens--the city’s first housing project for the elderly.

The city will receive a $4.5-million grant from the Housing and Urban Development Department, City Manager Darrell Essex said.

Plans call for construction of the homes on 1.3 acres at the southwest corner of Lincoln Avenue and Grindlay Street. The city will either purchase or lease the parcel, now owned by the Cypress School District, for a yet-undetermined price, Essex said. The price of the units, when construction will begin and how residents can qualify have not been determined yet, Essex said.

Of Cypress’ 44,000 residents, about 2,860 are over 60 years of age, Essex said. With no other affordable housing geared specifically for senior citizens in the city, Essex said he expects the project will have a waiting list of prospective tenants.