We have to wonder what plan the city has to pick a location for the arena.
City council has backed off the plan to locate the arena in the Duranguito area.
They are talking now about locating the arena at the site of the existing convention center.
If they do tear down the convention center how long will it be before we are asked to approve another bond issue to build another convention center?
Like much of what council does, this plan does not make sense to many of us.
Will council have to back down on this idea?
If they do, where will they place the arena?
Would they actually have the gall to propose tearing down the city buildings that we just remodeled and give the rail road the closing of the crossings that it wants?
Where would they end up putting city hall?
It is hard to escape the feeling that they have a plan but don’t want to spring it on us quite yet.
We deserve better
Brutus
elpasospeak 
wasn’t the plan once, a long time ago, to build a convention center near the airport? That is why they want EPISD out.
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That property is for a hotel. Convention center has to be downtown.
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Not has, but they want.
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Its like this:
(A City Council member talking to Judy): . . .”Judy. . . . if you vote in favor of tearing down our current Convention Center, I’ll vote for your construction of red sidewalks up and down “whatever” street in your district.”
You vote for MY project and I’ll vote for YOUR project.
“Now, remember Bob, I voted for YOUR crazy project last year. . so the least you can do is vote for MY crazy project and tear down perfectly good buildings, to build another.”
When we vote to Tear Down The Convention Center, lets all bring Hard Hats to put on at the end of the session !
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They will build it where Hunt and Foster want it built most likely.
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The reality is that they do not have a plan. That’s scarier than having one.
And note to JerryK: please stop with your Hunt Foster conspiracy theories. They are old and don’t work anymore.
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They are major DTEP investors and will work to see that city projects like an arena improves the value of their holdings, whether or not it makes sense for taxpayers. Foster owns the Plaza hotel and needs an arena within a 1000 foot radius for tax benefits. It will likely be within that radius. I will concede the point if it isn’t.
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How much property do they need? Rubin has put all of his downtown properties on the market. What’s wrong with buying land that is already for sale?
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Why not do like many cities have and build the arena and a adequate parking area on the far west side between 375 and Vado but on the North side of I10. Good access, plenty of room.
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Because that’s not where the people investing in downtown want it.
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This sounds like the ballpark deal. When the citizens voted for the original, there were many items included. I think it’s time for the city to go to the voters, and ask how many people think we really need the arena.
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