CYPRESS : Neighbors Sue to Halt Warehouse Project

A new citizens’ organization has filed a Superior Court lawsuit in an effort to halt construction of a proposed warehouse near a residential area.

The organization, Citizens’ Assn. for the Sensible Development of Warland Center, is composed of about 100 residents who live near the Warland business center on Valley View Street.

At issue is a new 440,000-square-foot warehouse proposed for 11400 Valley View St.

It would be used as a wholesale distribution center for Shaw Industries, a Georgia-based carpet maker.

Nearby homeowners pleaded in vain with the council Sept. 26 to reject the project.

They argued that the warehouse operation would lower property values because of increased traffic and noise.

But council members said the project would have little environmental impact and would bring the city millions of dollars in new sales taxes.

Homeowners returned to the council’s Oct. 10 meeting to ask for reconsideration and answers to various questions.

Mayor Richard Partin cut off their testimony after about 40 minutes, noting that the matter was not on the council’s agenda for that evening.

“We’re not going to withdraw the decision,” Councilwoman Cecilia L. Age said at the Oct. 10 meeting.

Regan Smith, a member of the citizens’ group, said the lawsuit includes a request for an injunction against construction of the warehouse “until there is an updated EIR (environmental impact report) on the project.”

Smith said residents of the warehouse area believe they have been badly treated by the City Council. “We feel the city absolutely forced us into this lawsuit,” she said.