Duranguito demolition ban to be decided by judge on Thursday

El Paso’s legal battle over the future of the Duranguito neighborhood may come to a conclusion on Thursday.

That’s when Judge Patrick Garcia of the 384th District Court will decide whether to extend a court order restricting the city from demolishing buildings in the now fenced-off area.

The ruling will be the latest in a showdown between lawyers for local historian Max Grossman and attorneys for the city of El Paso.

The Texas Historical Commission had previously issued a permit to the city that would have allowed the demolitions to begin here in October.

However, Grossman has once again requested a court order to stop the destruction.

Grossman contends the city is not taking into account the location, protection, or preservation of a newly discovered Mescalero Apache establishment where the city wants to build a entertainment and sports arena.

An existing temporary restraining order is set to expire and Judge Garcia will determine if that order should remain in place.