Wakeem Reiterates OSAB's Recommendation of TPWD Preferred Park Entrance

Open Space Advisory Board Chairman and one of El Paso's most respected "statesman", Charlie Wakeem sent this email to City Council members and other public officials:

Dear City Council and Public Officials,

 

The City of El Paso Open Space Advisory Board (OSAB) reviewed the six options for the entrance to the Tom Mays Unit of the Franklin Mountains State Park at its February 20. 2013 meeting with the understanding that this item would go before City Council some time in March.  However, I was told later the item was removed from the Council agenda.

 

I understand that the MPO met Friday morning to discuss the issue.  Even though OSAB is tasked by ordinance to advise only City Council on matters regarding the Open Space Master Plan and the Mountain Development Area of El Paso, in which this entrance is a part of both, I would like to give you OSAB's decision.

 

Originally, OSAB recommended the spur road option a few years ago.  Not having reviewed the final six options at that time, since they were not available, OSAB's decision was not fully informed.  The board once again reviewed all of the options February 20th.  After weighing both the pros and cons of all six options, OSAB unanimously voted to recommend the Texas Parks and Wildlife preference, or Option #4, for all of the reasons TPWD has given.  The principal reasons for OSAB's support of Option #4, the underpass, is that it provides a safe entrance to the park, it preserves the view of the mountains, it would keep the Tom Mays Unit easily accessible to the public, including tourists, and it would easily accommodate vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle and wildlife passage across Transmountain Road.  Even though it is one of the more expensive options, OSAB feels it is the best option for the good of the community in the long term.

 

Cordially yours,

Charlie Wakeem

Charirman, Open Space Advisory Board