Housing Demand Rising As Fort Bliss Expands

By ABC-7 Reporter/Anchor Ken Molestina

A demand for family housing properties in El Paso is on the rise, and it’s racing toward what could become a housing crisis in the Sun City.

Fort Bliss expansion in El Paso is expected to bring thousands of new families to the El Paso area.

The problem now according to city leaders and developers is that they are falling behind with their plans to build housing units for them.

Developers are estimating construction plans are behind by about 8,000 family housing units throughout El Paso.

Local private developer Ray Adauto says it’s mostly due to economic strain in throughout the country, “We’re dealing with building material costs increase, labor increases, and now fees that the city is looking at,” said Adauto about the situation.

The problem now comes with the demand for housing in El Paso. If the demand for housing goes up so will the cost, and for some Fort Bliss soldiers that could mean a real headache.

Fort Bliss Private Kenny Blose said he would have to send his wife back home to California, and he would need to move into single soldier barracks if rent skyrocketed.

As it is, Blose said, his $892 a month allowance barely covers his rent and utilities.

City leaders are now working with developers to possibly create more incentives or waive some fees in order to get the construction projects back on track.