Voters OK Business Park Near Race Track

City voters Tuesday overwhelmingly approved plans to develop a 75-acre business park next to the Los Alamitos Race Track, ending more than four years of disputes and lawsuits.

“This election finally puts to rest a great controversy in our community,” said Mayor Pro Tem John Kanel. “The new owners (of the race track) are to be highly commended.”

Approval of Tuesday’s ballot measure allows the rezoning of 75 acres next to the track for the development of the Cypress Business and Professional Center, which will include office buildings and a motel.

Last September, a group of Sacramento businessmen led by Lloyd Arnold bought the 298-acre property for $71 million from Hollywood Park Realty Enterprises. They have gained the support of a citizens group and local officials during months of talks.

Tuesday’s election put to rest more than four years of disputes involving the race course.

In 1986, Hollywood Park Realty asked the City Council to rezone the land for another business development, Cypress Plaza. The council approved the zone change. However, facing mounting citizen opposition, the council reversed the decision.

In 1987, a coalition of Cypress residents won voter approval of Measure D, which returned the race track parcel to semipublic use. Measure D also mandated voter approval of further zoning changes.

Hollywood Park sued the city over Measure D. Later, an Orange County Superior Court judge invalidated the measure. The city appealed.

The owners were thwarted once again in their effort to develop the property in 1989 when residents overwhelmingly rejected Cypress Downs, a 167-acre development proposal. Hollywood Park then proceeded with its $125-million lawsuit against the city.

With the approval of the rezoning, Arnold plans to put the 75 acres up for sale. He has already spent more than $3 million refurbishing the race track and an adjacent golf course.

Election Returns Cypress Business and Professional Center Initiative

100% Precincts Reporting Votes % Yes 3,284 86.3 No 520 13.7 Turnout 17.6%