Fight To Make Trans Mountain Area ‘Open Space’ Hits Snag

Another city group has spoken out about what to do with the land along Trans Mountain Road in Northwest El Paso.

The City Plan Commission voted unanimously not to designate it as ‘open space,’ instead advising it be designated a ‘smart code’ area instead.

Opponents to developing the land said this recommendation will lead the way for development that may destroy the natural wildlife in the area.

“We’re not looking to bulldoze and make development that’s as flat as a pancake,” City Plan Commission Chairwoman Katie Updike said. “We just want to be really thoughtfully when we think through what what portion should be left open and what portions can be thoughtfully developed.”

El Paso City Rep. Susie Byrd, one of the city’s most outspoken critics of developing the land, said the development planned for the area, including a freeway and retail space, would ruin the pristine view of the Franklin Mountains.

“Smart code does not work with freeways,” Byrd said. “So it’s strange to me that staff would make a recommendation to rezone that area as smart code.”

Updike agrees, but said the land on either side of the highway could be planned according to smart code.

El Paso City Council will have the ultimate decision on the matter. They have not set any date to take up the issue.