CYPRESS : Pro-Warehouse Group Opposes Recall Effort

A group has been formed to oppose the recall of two City Council members and simultaneously support a controversial carpet warehouse.

The recall drive was launched last month by city residents angry at the City Council’s Sept. 26 vote to allow construction of a large carpet distribution warehouse at 11400 Valley View St., where trucks would enter and leave 24 hours a day.

Some residents contended the warehouse and trucking operation would ruin their neighborhoods and harm the environment throughout Cypress.

The recall effort is aimed at Mayor Cecilia L. Age and Councilwoman Gail H. Kerry, who were among the majority on the previous City Council that voted to approve the warehouse.

At the City Council’s meeting Monday night, resident Reynold Elkin announced that an anti-recall organization, the Committee for Fiscal and Political Stability in Cypress, had been formed.

Elkin said the group has about 200 members and invited others to join.

Elkin, who ran unsuccessfully for City Council in the Nov. 8 election, said he strongly supports the carpet warehouse. He said the warehouse would generate needed tax dollars for the city and would be less harmful than other possible developments.

Elkin also asked residents not to sign the recall petition aimed at Age and Kerry. “Do not sign your name to anything until you have all the facts and have researched them,” he said.

In an interview after the meeting, Age said she is gratified that a group has been formed to oppose the recall.

“I hate to see division in the city. It does no one any good,” she said. “But I am really happy that people are now speaking out for the council’s action on the warehouse. I think you’re going to see this group growing in number.”