TIRZ board finalizes financing plan, project for new tax increment reinvestment zones

The TIRZ board has approved and finalized a financing plan for tax increment reinvestment zones 10, 11 and 12.

Zones 10 and 12 are located in Northwest El Paso, encompassing an area of nearly 5,000 acres. Zone 11 is in the Northeast. It encompasses an area of about 50 acres at the old Cohen Stadium site.

The TIRZ board is comprised of all city representatives and the mayor. City officials tell ABC-7 that sometimes its boards are comprised of members outside of council, however, that is not the case with this board.

The agenda states the TIRZ board will present its recommendations to City Council and the council itself will officially finalize the plans in two weeks on June 26. The public will have an opportunity to speak in favor or against these TIRZ plans during the June 26 meeting.

TIRZ No. 10 and 10a

TIRZ No. 10 encompasses approximately 48 acres located at the southeast intersection of I-10 and Paseo del Norte. The TIRZ was then. City council voted on Tuesday, May 29 to allow for the expansion of TIRZ 10A, which includes 3,900 acres in northwest El Paso. The zone encompasses an area just north of Transmountain, about a block south of Helen of Troy Drive, as far West as I-10 and as far East as Hermoso Del Sol Dr. This zone already includes some development.

City Representatives Alexsandra Annello and Peter Svarzbein voted against the plan for these zones.

100 percent of the taxes generated within TIRZ No. 10 will stay within that zone. 33 percent of the taxes generated within TIRZ 10a will stay within the zone.

Here’s a breakdown of the proposed project costs in the zone

Water Facilities and Improvements $ 8,895,374 10.0% Sanitary Sewer Facilities and Improvements $ 8,895,374 10.0% Storm Water Facilities and Improvements $ 44,476,872 50.0% Street and Intersection Improvements $ 8,895,374 10.0% Open Space, Park and Recreation Facilities and Improvements $ 12,453,524 14.0% Economic Develompent Grants $ 4,447,687 5.0% Administrative Costs $ 889,537 1.0%

TIRZ No. 11

The City also created TIRZ No. 11 in the Northeast. It will allow for the revitalization of the Cohen Stadium site. This zone encompasses an area of about 50 acres.

Council unanimously voted to approve the plan for this zone.

One-hundred percent of the funds generated by the TIRZ will stay within the zone.

“It gives our community an opportunity to grow and prosper,” district 4 city representative Sam Morgan said. “It gives us an opportunity to properly operate and maintain a site that’s so unique. We want to make sure that it’s sustainable.”

Here’s a breakdown of the proposed project costs in the zone:

Water Facilities and Improvements $1,973,857 — 7.5% Sanitary Sewer Facilities and Improvements $2,631,809 — 10.0% Storm Water Facilities and Improvements $2,631,809 — 10.0% Transit/Parking Improvements $3,947,714 — 15.0% Street and Intersection Improvements $5,263,618 — 20.0% Open Space, Park and Recreation Facilities and Improvements $3,947,714 — 15.0% Economic Development Grants $5,263,618 — 20.0% Administrative Costs $657,952 — 2.5%

TIRZ No. 12

Council also voted to create TIRZ No. 12, which is adjacent to zone 10 in northwest El Paso.

City Representatives Alexsandra Annello and Peter Svarzbein voted against the plan for this zone.

TIRZ No. 12 includes about 1,000 acres of complete open space. The western boundary is Land Rush Street, the southern boundary is Cabana Del Sol Drive, the northern boundary is just north of Transmountain Road and the eastern boundary is adjacent to the Franklin Mountain State Park.

The proposed TIRZ #12 development is expected to facilitate the construction of a large scale mixed-use development totaling approximately 9,455 housing units and approximately 829,400 square feet of new commercial space.

Open-air preservationists have expressed concern over the development of this land because it could lead to the removal of trails in the area. Specifically, the Lost Dog Trail. Preservationists have created an initiative petition to stop the implementation of this TIRZ.

“I feel like we have been cheated by our city council. Once you disturb open space that’s natural, it’s no longer natural,” chair of the Open Space Advisory Committee Dr. Sharon Bonart said.

Here’s a breakdown of the proposed project costs in the zone:

Water Facilities and Improvements $5,473,732 — 5.0% Sanitary Sewer Facilities and Improvements $5,473,732 — 5.0% Storm Water Facilities and Improvements $27,368,659 — 25.0% Transit/Parking Improvements $16,421,195 — 15.0% Street and Intersection Improvements $24,084,419 — 22.0% Open Space, Park and Recreation Facilities and Improvements $22,989,673 — 21.0% Economic Development Grants $5,473,732 — 5.0% Administrative Costs $2,189,493 — 2.0%

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