City Council to officially schedule election over fate of open land in Northwest El Paso

An upcoming election would decide the fate of hundreds of acres of open land in Northwest El Paso.

Council will formally decide the date of the election, which is slated for May 4, during their regular meeting Tuesday morning.

The land in question — designated as a tax increment reinvestment zone, or TIRZ 12, by City Council — encompasses 1,107 acres near Transmountain Road and Resler Road, and includes the Lost Dog Trail, which is popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

The TIRZ would ensure that money generated from any development in the area would be funneled into the area to support growth.

Supporters of the trail and of preserving the open space had signed a petition last summer, asking council representatives to prevent the land from being developed.

Even though the signatures were ratified by the city, representatives did not adopt the ordinance — which means the future of the land is now up to voters.

In September, El Paso leaders approved a request for a two-year moratorium to halt any further development in TIRZ 12.