Power poles remain concern for El Paso’s Upper Valley residents
Weeks have gone by, but not much has changed in the hearts of El Paso’s Upper Valley residents near Esmeralda Park. Construction continues along Artcraft road. El Paso Electric is constructing electrical poles and the people who live nearby aren’t happy.
“It’s not just. They say they told us and they didn’t — it’s not true,” said Maria Ramirez.
Ramirez lives with her son. He was recently married, and the two are expecting a family. According to Ramirez, they’re looking to move soon. They fear that the new high-powered electrical poles could be dangerous to raise a family near.
Ramirez, like many others, say the plan to build electrical poles throughout their neighborhood were never announced. The city of El Paso has said that a public meeting was announced last December, but only two people showed up to that meeting including the area’s city representative.
El Paso Electric hasn’t said much. In the past, they’ve only released written statements. On Friday, they agreed to a sitdown interview only to cancel the interview last minute.
“Given the expressed intent of some of the residents in the Esmeralda Park area to take legal action, we believe it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further at this time,” said Teresa Souza in a written statement.
Questions about how the plan came along, and concerns of residents remain unanswered, however, a spokesperson did tell ABC-7 management that federal standards were being followed.
A meeting was being held for local homeowners Friday to discuss legal action that may be taken. Residents who are taking part in that meeting have not yet announced their plans.
