CYPRESS

The City Council on Tuesday approved a 30-unit housing development at Gay and Denni streets that drew opposition from residents. The council voted 3 to 1 and 4 to 0 on various measures for the Olson Co. project.

Councilwoman Anna Piercy cast the dissenting vote, citing the concerns of residents. Councilman Walter K. Bowman abstained because of financial interest. Residents contended that the project, zoned for 5,000-square-foot lots, does not match the neighborhood’s spacious, rural ambience. They also complained about pending traffic.

Dave Schaffer, vice president for development at Olson Co., said: “We feel we’ve done everything we can to reach out to the community. When all is said and done, people will look back and like it.”

Calling it an “agonizing” decision, Councilman Tim Keenan said the city needs to use land wisely and cope with growth, which affects Cypress’s 47,800 residents. Councilman Tom Carroll and Mayor Mary Ann Jones agreed. “In the end, this project is the best for all citizens,” Jones said.