[staytrue]

An editorial about this appeared in today's Wall St. Journal which is how I found this article in Yahoo. This is just about the worst abuse of eminent domain I have heard of.

[sayfer bullets]

It would be interesting to see where the greenies and ACLU-types fall on this story....my guess?---> "silent".

[Quila]

Don't focus on the church angle. This is a sickening development for anyone who owns property.

[anniegetyourgun]

It really is a horrible abuse and I'm sure the city hasn't heard the last of it. I hope they are forced to eat the dirt they are trying to steal. The greedy city government officials can't see past their potential revenue stream to the constitution.

[INSENSITIVE GUY]

This is unique,using"eminent domain"as a means to commit a HATE CRIME against religion!

[thinktwice]

How would Moses handle this?

[Servant of the Nine]

BOYCOTT COSTCO

Costco is not gonna like nationwide bad publicity. Pickett their stores everywhere.

So9

[South40]

Already Posted

[Moomah]

I am a resident of the city in question, I am also a Christian. I am a member of Sea Coast Grace which is adjacent to this property. We went through as similar situation 10 years ago with the City of Cypress. We worked with the city we traded our valuable retail corner for an interior odd-shaped piece of the same large continguous land Cottonwood is party to. We remained a fragrance to the City and to the community and have to this day made what I believe is a responsible impact in our community for Chirst. Cottonwood has bullied their way into Cypress, declaring the City and its Councilmembers to be "agents of Satan." That is so untrue. There are several committed Christians on the Council, who feel that as elected officials they must hold up the best interests of the City and its residents. Cottonwood bought that property full-well knowing it was not zoned for a church. They have been underhanded, combatant and quite frankly I'm ashamed of the way they have conducted themselves in our community. In my opinion they have brought shame to the name of Christ. The City has been very fair with them, offered them a sweetheart deal to trade parcels, but that never seems to hit the press. Let me assure you that this article does not paint a complete picture.

[MattGarrett]

I wrote Costco regarding the matter and they seem to be leaning on the city's inaccurate view of the situation. The City claims that they specifically told Cottonwood Christian that they wouldn't receieve approval to build a church there. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. The letter the city sent to the church about acceptable uses for the land INCLUDED BUILDING A CHURCH. Anyway, here is the response I received from Costco, which I forwarded to Hugh Hewitt (who is leading the charge against the City on the air) and to the Becket Foundation: Dear James, Thank you for taking the time to write to me regarding the proposed development of a Costco warehouse in the City of Cypress, California. Recent publicity concerning this site has led to the false impression that Costco is somehow standing in the way of the Cottonwood Christian Center's plans to build a new church in Cypress. The fact is that the dispute between the City and the Church existed long before Costco ever entered the picture, and the criticism of Costco is unfounded. The City told us that they long ago designated the property in question for retail use. About one year before we showed any interest in this location, the Cottonwood Christian Center was unsuccessful in its attempts to obtain permits for its proposed development there. The City is insistent that, under its long-term land use plan, the site will be developed for retail use. When we first approached the City about this site, we were told that it might be possible to acquire the land from the Church because Cottonwood was in discussions with the adjacent Los Alamitos Race Track about a land swap with the Race Track, enabling the church to develop a portion of the Los Alamitos property. This would satisfy the City's long-term land use goals, and would permit both the Church and Costco developments to proceed. Despite the Church's lawsuit against the City, we are informed that those negotiations with the racetrack owner continue, and a land exchange is still possible. The City has been clear that whether or not Costco has any interest in the Cypress/Los Alamitos area, it will not approve the Church's proposal for the corner of Katella and Walker. In other words, if we disappear from the picture, it will simply open the door for another retailer to take our place, but will not alter the City's position prohibiting the Christian Center to develop the Katella Avenue and Walker corner. Rest assured that we respect the good work that this Church does in the community, and would support their efforts to build a new facility in an appropriate location. Sincerely, Mark Cawsey Ecommerce Member Service Manager customerservice@costco.com I suggest everyone within earshot write Mr. Cawsey and tell him that this is unacceptable.