By Blaze Bhence
How A Planning Commission Can Empower Residents In Cypress
In the vibrant tapestry of Southern California cities, Cypress stands out—not for its sun-soaked beaches or bustling nightlife, but for its absence of a city planning commission. This gap in our city governance might seem minor, but it carries significant implications for our future.
The old adage, “If you don’t have a plan, you plan to fail,” is particularly relevant in urban development. As one of the few Southern Californian cities without a dedicated planning commission, Cypress lacks something that is present in many other communities – a body comprised of local residents that is specifically tasked with evaluating and directing development. The absence of a planning commission can lead to missed opportunities and suboptimal outcomes for both residents and businesses.
At a recent public meeting the city’s planning director said that a planning commission for Cypress had been considered in the 1990s, but never moved forward. Now that Cypress is faced with state-mandated housing and zoning changes, perhaps its time that we considered giving residents more seats at the table? There are many potential benefits to consider.
First, without a planning commission, development decisions in Cypress may lack coherence and strategic foresight. Projects might proceed without a comprehensive analysis of their impact on local infrastructure, community needs, and how they fit into the long-term vision of what residents what Cypress to look like 5, 10, or even 25 years from now. The lack of a thorough analysis by an independent group of residents can result in poorly designed developments that strain our city’s resources and finances. A planning commission could ensure that projects are systematically evaluated and contribute positively to Cypress’s growth.
Effective urban planning also requires a holistic view of how different elements of the city interact. Residential areas need to be balanced with commercial zones to promote economic vitality while maintaining a high quality of life. We can, and should balance residential housing with exciting new businesses, and appealing public spaces. Without a planning commission, Cypress may struggle to achieve this balance, leading to zoning conflicts, inadequate amenities, and developments that fail to meet our community’s evolving needs.
And who is better to focus on meeting our community’s needs than a group of residents who are deeply invested in our city? Cypress benefits from three highly effective commissions that have greatly contributed to the city and its residents. The Seniors Commission, Traffic Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission have been established for decades, building valuable resources and support for their respective communities.
A planning commission is not merely a decision-making body; it is a forum for community engagement and an additional opportunity to give residents a voice in how their city grows and changes. Public hearings and advisory roles ensure that development aligns with community values and priorities. Without deep involvement from residents from conception of plan all the way to fruition, Cypress residents may feel disconnected from the planning process, leading to a lack of trust and potentially contentious outcomes.
This was evident in the recent informational meeting and public hearing that the city hosted regarding the ballot measure to change the zoning of the Los Alamitos Race Course. Many residents asked great questions and shared their views on the different options. But at the same time, a number of residents expressed distrust about the information they had received from the city.
Others wondered why they were not given more information sooner, when they could have advocated for alternative plans that do not concentrate so much housing in just one or two areas. As a candidate for city council in the upcoming November election, I believe that the sooner we give residents a chance to weigh in on questions of growth and development, the better.
With a robust planning commission, Cypress would be better positioned to seize opportunities for strategic growth, attracting the type of businesses our residents really want, enhancing public spaces, and foster sustainable development. A planning commission would better enable Cypress to proactively plan for our future, whether we’re talking about the Los Alamitos Race Course or the Lincoln Corridor
A planning commission could ensure that redevelopment efforts enhance local infrastructure, support surrounding businesses, and reflect the needs and desires of Cypress residents. And as traffic congestion and related safety issues become a growing concern—which many residents have expressed at city council meetings—we can look for ways to proactively improve traffic flow, and make our city even safer through thoughtful planning.
To some, the establishment of a planning commission in Cypress may sound like another layer of bureaucracy. But in truth, an independent, resident-led body can help lead the way toward more thoughtful, strategic, and inclusive growth. A planning commission would be an investment in our city’s future, enabling us to plan proactively rather than reactively, engage our community in the decision-making process, and ensure that our resources are used effectively.
It’s not merely about having a plan; it’s about having the right plan—crafted with insight, expertise, and community involvement. With a dedicated planning commission, Cypress can set a course for sustainable and prosperous development, ensuring that our city thrives for generations to come.
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