CYPRESS : Council Opposes Development Freeze

Despite the concerns of residents about burgeoning construction in areas north of Lincoln Avenue, the City Council this week refused their suggestion to freeze development in those areas.

Residents in neighborhoods north of Lincoln Avenue and west of Moody Street approached the council about a building moratorium following the approval of two apartment complex proposals last month. Their complaints concerned traffic congestion, parking problems and the strain on water and sewer systems.

However, after a brief study, city staff members concluded and the council agreed that the congestion problems could be eased without a moratorium. “We felt this area could hold development potential,” Chris Eynon, the director of planning, told the council.

Eynon said there are 32 parcels of land in the area that could be developed. The land is being developed at a rate of about two parcels per year, a pace that can be easily absorbed by the surrounding area, she said.

Jim Hill, acting director of public works, said the county has several projects under way that will help with infrastructure concerns, including a plan to install storm drains.

Hill said traffic problems can be handled by the city’s Traffic Committee, and council members agreed.

“We think we have a real handle on where we are at, “ Mayor Walter Bowman said.