New gate restrictions at Ft. Bliss getting mixed reviews

New gate restrictions in place at Ft. Bliss are getting mixed reviews. Ft. Bliss is cracking down on security, but not everyone is happy about the changes.

As of last week, all visitors must get a “visitors pass” upon entering Ft. Bliss. Passes are good for only 30 days. You’ll need your driver’s license, proof of insurance and registration. Those visiting William Beaumont Army Medical Center are requied to use the Fred Wilson Access Control Point.

Abc-7 spoke with business owners and customers who tell us, it’s going to take some getting used to.

“It’s just a killer because it’s a good post and with the restrictions, for veterans, it’s just going to turn everyone away,” Army Veteran Cordio Harden told Abc-7.

It’s only been a couple of days but most visitors are already feeling the impact. One area of concern–the wait time.
When Abc-7 went, the process took about 20 minutes. Others, weren’t so lucky.

“I came to get a new badge, I’ve been waiting four and half hours and I still haven’t gotten it yet,” Jennifer Kay, an employee at Freedom Crossing, told Abc-7.

Kay says she’s also afraid the changes will have a negative impact on businesses.

“I think it’s going to cause a lot of businesses to lose visitors. And they have a lot of free shows? People are not going to want to come, because they’re not going to sit here and wait 20-30 minutes just to get a pass, it’s not. I wouldn’t.”

Ft. Bliss officials did not respond to a request for comment by deadline, but Abc-7 spoke with Freedom Crossing’s General Manager. She tells Abc-7 the restrictions are similar to those in place when shops first broke ground in 2010. Back then, visitors were required to get a day pass. She says it’s still too early to tell just how it’ll effect businesses this time around.
But some business owners Abc-7 spoke with say otherwise. They couldn’t speak on camera, but several business owners say in the in the past week alone, they’ve already noticed a significant drop in sales and they expect business to be slow until gate restrictions change.

“After this experience I think i’m going to lessen my visits to Ft. Bliss a lot,” Freedom Crossing customer Rogelio Vasquez said.

“I understand they have a job to do and that they have to defend their own. It’s a double edged sword really,” Vasquez added.

Freedom crossing officials add–Fort Bliss is not a closed base and customers and visitors are always welcome. Visitors are allowed to enter through five gates. They include Buffalo Soldier, Chaffee, Old Ironsides, Sheridan or Biggs Airfield Main. Anyone with a current military ID is allowed to enter without a visitor’s pass.