Church Moves to Block City From Taking Land
In a legal move that surprised city officials, the Cottonwood Christian Center on Monday sought a federal court injunction to block the city from taking 18 acres of church property on which to build a Costco.
A church spokeswoman said the 102-page motion would prevent the city from taking “immediate possession” of Cottonwood’s property near the Los Alamitos Race Course, an act allowed under eminent domain proceedings.
City Atty. Bill Wynder said the parties had agreed to suspend any legal action while meeting twice weekly to find the mega-church an alternative location.
City Council members unanimously voted last month to condemn the undeveloped redevelopment site at the corner of Walker Street and Katella Avenue, where the 4,000-member church had plans to build a sprawling complex.
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