Downtown arena opponent takes first step in petition to recall City Rep. Niland

One of the loudest voices opposing the location of the new $180 million arena in downtown El Paso is taking aim at city representative Cortney Niland.

Michael Patino is not one of the people who will have to move to make way for the arena, but he lives nearby.

Patino has protested against the city’s decision and voiced his concerns at numerous council meetings. Today, he went even further. Patino has taken the first step in filing a petition to recall Rep. Niland.

The arena would be located in Niland’s District 8.

According to the petition, the recall is based on the following reasons:

Failure to listen to the concerns of her constituents Lack of respect for residents Failure to keep the highest ethical standards Failure to respond to the constituents of District 8 Protect her constituents in Union Plaza from displacement and demolition Failure to protect her constituents in Union Plaza from eminent domain

While Rep. Niland said she respects Mr. Patino’s rights, she is committed to listening to her constituents.

“So when they are saying to me they are upset and maybe there are some unintended consequences that maybe staff did not factor into the equation, we maybe need to take stop and listen,” Niland said.

One of the reasons the city wants to build the arena downtown is state incentives. If the arena is built within 1,000 feet of the convention center, Niland said the city qualifies for $25 million dollars. Money that is earmarked to go toward the arena.

Niland said she and other representatives have been listening and are working on an alternative. One that could be presented during the next council meeting.

“I think we might have something pretty exciting to talk about on Tuesday. Where we can still do it in that fiscally responsible way, save the taxpayers money, not displace anyone and make everybody happy,” Niland said.

Niland said there is a community meeting Friday at San Jacinto Plaza called “Posada in the Barrio” and she plans to meet with constituents then.

The “targeted footprint” for the arena would be bound by West San Antonio Avenue, South Santa Fe Street, West Paisano Street, and Leon Street. Opponents of the arena said the city will demolish buildings with a historical and cultural value for our community.

City Attorney Sylvia Borunda Firth told council last month 17 families will be affected by the arena’s location. An estimated 47 people would be relocated, she said.

Niland has said residents displaced from the area will receive six months rent and moving expenses from the city. The City Attorney has indicated businesses will also receive assistance with relocation, especially, if they want to remain downtown.

Patino said he now has 30 days to gather 1,000 signatures. He believes he can have the signatures in a matter of days.