Church Still Hopes to Move to Busy Corner

Leaders at Cottonwood Christian Center say they are undeterred in their effort to build a worship center on church-owned property zoned for redevelopment despite opposition from the Cypress Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

The chamber board issued a statement Tuesday favoring a “revenue-producing development” on 18 acres at Katella Avenue and Walker Street, which board members said “is compatible with the existing [nearby] business park.”

The 4,000-member congregation now meets in Los Alamitos. The chamber’s position comes after the Cypress City Council approved a 10 1/2-month moratorium on all building in the area.

“We are still just as committed to building on our property,” the Rev. Mike Wilson said. The chamber’s position “isn’t something that’s going to change our course,” he added.

Chamber President Pat Cavanaugh said he is not opposed to the church finding another site in or near the city. But he considers the parcel at Katella and Walker “first-class frontage” and supports the council’s effort to “produce some kind of tax-revenue business.”

The church has spent $13 million to buy the vacant site near the Los Alamitos Race Course. Plans include a 4,700-seat sanctuary and a youth center.

Wilson said church members are continuing to shop and dine in the area in an effort to show city leaders the reach of the congregation’s buying power.