Controversy continues over approved TIRZ
The controversy continues over City Councils decision to approve the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone in Northwest El Paso. The TIRZ know as TIRZ 12 includes an area of more than 1,000 acres.
Several members of the group opposing the TIRZ were present at City Hall today presenting over 2,000 signatures and holding a press conference for city media. The signatures must be validated which could take thirty days.
Rick Bonart, a member of The Borderland Mountain Bike association, spoke on behalf of the group opposing TIRZ and states that their goal is to keep development from forming in area, and keeping it an open space, stating its at its best priced value as is, and is used heavily for recreational purposes.
Bonart assures ABC 7 that this has been a battle since 2002 and the group is prepared to present a second petition if Council denies the first, and they are also prepared for a legal battle.
Cassandra Hernandez, District 3 City Representative told ABC 7 that she voted in favor of the TIRZ because she is dedicated to responsible development that preserves the natural beauty of the open space and allows for wild life to remain as uninterrupted as possible, pointing to a planned bridge that would allow wildlife to continue accessing the area safely.
The council will meet on Tuesday where the Final Plan / budget is on the Agenda for approval (the preliminary plan has already been adopted). Hernandez states If the signatures are validated, and a second petition is successful then council will adopt a retroactive stance. She hopes that the two sides can come together and meet in the middle, but say’s a legal battle will be the Councils ultimate decision.
