Garden Grove : Firm Signs Contract to Study Planned Cemetery

Willdan Associates of the city of Industry has been contracted to study how a cemetery built on Crystal Cathedral property in Garden Grove would affect the surrounding neighborhood, according to Jerry Blum, city planning division manager.

The study will detail the environmental and economic effects that the cemetery, planned for a 1.7-acre site next to Anzio Street, would have on the residential area. The study is expected to be completed within three weeks, Blum said.

The study was requested by the City Council on Feb. 3 after the council heard arguments from neighbors opposed to the expansion plan, which includes constructing a six-story family center south of the church on Dawn Avenue.

Residents are opposed to having a cemetery next door to their homes for emotional reasons and because they said it would lower property values. Opponents also said the expansion would aggravate traffic and parking problems in the area.

Council members did not request a study on the family center, because they said they had received sufficient information on it from the Planning Department staff.