Velez: City leaders, look Northeast
Margarita B. Velez
Like Martin Luther King Jr., I have a dream. A dream where all areas of the city will be treated equally and the city of El Paso will include my community in its revitalization plans.
The proposed site for the new arena is plagued with controversy and displacing folks is never the best solution. The rail yard alternative would involve environmental cleaning that would be cost prohibitive.
Now it is reported that the Civic Center site is being considered. Does that mean demolition and a new civic center? How much will that cost?
Rep. Cortney Niland recently said the city might get an additional $25 million dollars from the state for building at or near the convention center. That's not convincing enough.
In the rush to raze City Hall, El Paso lost $22 million by not selling the bonds on a timely basis. The cost of the ball park ran higher than projected and it's not paid for yet. Do we want a repeat of that?
In the meantime, a stadium built with taxpayers' money remains underused on city property that is larger than the proposed footprint Downtown. Take the 15 minute drive to Northeast, breathe in the clean air, and enjoy the beauty of the Franklins. Why spend tax dollars on an arena that will displace people, destroy historic buildings, the civic center, or spend millions to appease a railroad?
Before Cohen Stadium was abandoned, attendance records proved that people will travel from all areas to attend a game. Remember "Field of Dreams"? "Build it and they will come."
I urge city leaders to come to Northeast with an open mind, heck I'll even show you around and treat you to lunch. Give us a chance to show you a community yearning for city attention.
It's been repeated that the location of the arena must be Downtown, but the wording on the ballot left that out. There are no historical buildings near Cohen and no people to displace, although the Manzo Indians left their footprint and relics have been cleared.
Northeast residents would embrace this move and many are willing to show up at City Hall to show their support. We may be under-represented, but not asleep.
Raze Cohen and use the $180 million to build a larger, top quality arena. Who knows, the cost may be less and taxpayers would applaud a sound decision.
It's time to look beyond our noses and spread economic development throughout the city. This isn't just my dream, it is common sense.
Margarita B. Velez is a longtime Northeast El Paso resident and former aide to U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm of Texas.