Upper valley residents weary of $1.5 million River Bend expansion project
Upper Valley residents are expressing concerns about a $1.5 million road project.
It’s happening on River Bend Drive and it spans more than a mile from Frontera Road to Sunset Road. It’s another case of growth and expansion that is not sitting well with some of the homeowners.
They tell ABC-7 they’re about to lose the “country-feel” that attracted them to the area initially.
“The ones that have talked to me are worried it’s going to be too narrow, it’s going to be dangerous,” said Carol Miller, president of the Upper Valley Neighborhood Association. “It’s a country road. It shouldn’t be made into a city street.”
Miller, like many other residents in the area, attended a meeting two years ago to vote on what she’d like to see in the project.
“As far as I know, most of us voted for a dirt trail,” she said. “Looks like they got a concrete trail planned. That’s not very good for hiking or horses, or dogs even.”
Waynelyn Segotta has been a resident of the area for more than 50 years! She showed ABC-7 pictures of what the area looked like before they started digging.
“We’re losing our country atmosphere and that was why we moved here,” Segotta said. “When they start putting in paved walkways and curbs, then we’re losing our country life and we like our rural life.”
River Bend runs for a little more than a mile along the Montoya Drain. The project is expected to include new hiking and biking paths, pedestrian lighting, street lighting, landscaping, sidewalks and even parking. The first phase is expected to be completed by mid-Summer.
“We are doing four pilot hike and bike trails throughout the entire city of el paso with the hopes of eventually linking it up creating a green belt,” said City Rep. Cortney Niland, who represents the area.
ABC-7 told Niland some residents are concerned the neighborhood is losing its “country-feel.”
“Absolutely not,” Niland replied. “I think it’s going to enhance it. I think it’s going to allow you a safe place to ride bikes, hike, exercise and get out with your family and your friends in a great country setting.”
A community meeting on the River Bend project is set for Wednesday at 6 p-m at Zach White Elementary.
