Google Earth map of NW Master Plan land

Same map showing if all goes "according to plan"

The first petition asks that the City Council for an ordinance that "shall preserve, in its natural state and in perpetuity, all of the land . . . known as 'the West Transmountain Scenic Corridor.'" The pictures above show why such an ordinance is necessary.

The second petition adds the line: "The City shall take all steps necessary to preserve this land and to prevent it from being developed with either private development or major public roadways." This petition makes it clear to TxDOT and others that Paseo del Norte should be "bent" to the west and the flatter area around the Natural Gas Pipeline Road.

The land must be preserved by Natural Open Space Zoning. The argument by staff at CPC was that NOS will create "leapfrog" development. This argument is as bogus as saying that any development around major urban parks or green spaces is "leap frog" development. Preserved natural open space is like any natural park such as the Billy Rogers Arroyo Park or the Franklin Mountains State Park. I don't think that any El Pasoan would call the Franklin Mountains as the cause of leapfrog development. Those who know Arroyo Park wouldn't want it filled in so as to prevent a leapfrog from Kern Place to Rim Road!

CPC was sold a bill of goods. Both Nick Costanzo of EPWU and Matt McElroy of City Planning eluded to a "deal" between Ed Archuleta and Joyce Wilson to use Smart Codes. The word on the street now: Ed Archuleta has reneged on his promise.

"If the area eventually gets developed with no NOS and/or Conservation Easement protection," Open Space Advisory Board chairman Charlie Wakeem points out, "it would wipe out two large hills and an arroyo crossing Transmountain Road near where Paseo Del Norte is proposed, let alone the magnificent scenic beauty of the landscape and mountains."

A recreational area for a population beset by diabetes and its consequences would be gone for the sake of enriching a powerful few.

In the picture above, note the deepening arroyos and steeper slopes as Transmountain approaches the Franklins. Note also the ugly sprawl and vacant land and ponding areas to the south (upper right portion of the picture) threatening the scenic, recreational corridor.

If you are a registered voter residing in El Paso, Texas, please sign the petitions.