San Jacinto Opens

is finally over. thousands are gathering in downtown today for the grand reopening of san jacinto plaza. renovations began in spring 20-13. it was supposed to reopen about a year and a half ago, but the project suffered a series of delays. abc-7’s julio-cesar chavez is live from today’s celebrations with more: evan josie the alligators are back and so is everyone else here at the plaza. residents say it’s a welcome relief now that this project is finally completed. drums nearly three years and millions of drums nearly three years and millions of dollars later bells san jacinto plaza is open again mayor leeser made note of the project delays during today’s ceremony: leeser “we do owe you an apolog for being late. we were late, it wasn’t done in the timely manner that we would have wished it done” many we spoke with say the wait was worth it. “things happen, but it’s really nice plaza, so we’re glad that it opened up” though, some had hesitations about the redesign: “i was a little upset when heard they were going to renovate it / out and seeing it today i definitely love it.” new features include: a reflecting pool, pathways, as well as a 40-ton canopy that covers the center of the park, where the refurbished “lo lagartos” statue sits music leeser “this is the park for th community and we’re excited to be here today” trumpet “it was absolutely worth it this is beautiful, and along with the ballpark and everything else that’s happening downtown this is fabulous” there’s not much time left for the official celebrations, they end at 7 pm. but that doesn’t mean you can’t come down here, the plaza will always be open many people are staying, and some food trucks we’ve spoken with say they’re not leaving until they run out of food. evan, josie, back to you. and back to the hardwood. las cruces is left without a head basketball coach. sports anchor