City Planning Commission Approves Plan El Paso

The CPC with just a bit of editing approved the Comprehensive Plan Re-Write this afternoon by a unanimous vote. Chairman Larry Nance guided the process which included an inspirational message from City Planner, Carlos Gallinar, and a presentation by Victor Dover and Jason King of Dover Kohl, public comment from the conservation community, Chamber of Commerce persons and EPWU staff as well as a lengthy and active discussion by Commissioners.


Although the CPC's approval was a major step toward final City Council approval set for March 6, there is still over a week to go with Council's Legislative Review Committee meeting next. Here is the schedule of upcoming critical meetings:

Legislative Review Committee

Thursday, March 1, 2012, 1:30 p.m., 2^nd Floor City Hall

Public Service Board (PSB)

Monday, March 5, 2012, 5:00 p.m. 1154 Hawkins Blvd. (Map)

Not only will they discuss the Comprehensive Plan Re-write (Plan El Paso) but the NW Master Plan/Scenic Corridor issue.

City Council

Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 8:30 a.m., 2^nd Floor City Hall

CPC Meets Tomorrow at 1:30 City Hall 2nd Floor

It's hard to get people to a daytime meeting since so many people have to be at work.  I'm hoping a few folks can show up at tomorrow's CPC and/or the other meetings coming up. Here's what I sent out to a large group in the conservation community just now:

Most of you probably read my e-letter yesterday. I’m just reminding those of you who are top leaders to try to attend tomorrow’s CPC meeting and other upcoming meetings regarding the City’s Re-Write of the Comprehensive Plan: Plan El Paso. It is crucial that the CPC, City Council and Public Service Board see us as well as receive our messages and hear some speak. Be clear: we are talking about Plan El Paso, the new Comprehensive Plan for El Paso and not at this juncture about the NW Master Plan and the Scenic Corridor. Below are some points that you may want to make. If you cannot make the CPC meeting, you can email your thoughts to acostamd@elpasotexas.gov.  Please copy or send another email to Carlos Gallinar, Comprehensive Plan Manager .
 Again here is the schedule of upcoming meetings:
 City Plan CommissionThursday, February 23, 2012, 1:30 p.m., 2^nd Floor City Hall Legislative Review CommitteeThursday, March 1, 2012, 1:30 p.m., 2^nd Floor City Hall Public Service Board (PSB)Monday, March 5, 2012, 5:00 p.m. 1154 Hawkins Blvd. (Map)Not only will they discuss the Comprehensive Plan Re-write (Plan El Paso) but the NW Master Plan/Scenic Corridor issue. City CouncilTuesday, March 6, 2012, 8:30 a.m., 2^nd Floor City Hall It is critical that as many of us who care about key environmental, conservation and sustainability issues make these meetings. It has been emphasized to me that turn out is the key. Bodies if not voices are very, very important.   Here are some points if you speak or email:  Rather than a focus on the negative and outdated ideas of a very few, let’s stress the positive.  Plan El Paso encourages infill over sprawl. It encourages preserving our green and natural open spaces. It proposes neighborhoods where you are near to parks and shops and work and where you are connected to your neighbors – where you have community. It “incentivizes development projects of exemplary location and design throughout the City.” It calls for revitalizing downtown. It calls for us to be the most sustainable, walkable, livable and least automobile-dependent City in the Southwest. And, it  sets a goal for us to “provide community services and facilities that meet the physical, educational, and recreational needs of all segments of the City’s community.” Imagine connected, affordable, quality neighborhoods for El Paso. Plan El Paso plans for prosperity, the preservation and usefulness of our historic areas, sets a goal to improve our overall health and quality of life, seeks to protect our environment and the plants and animals of our region all the while building a prosperous, International City.
 I hope that I see you tomorrow and/or at one of the other upcoming meetings. Let’s try to sit together so they see us as a group. Thanks. Jim H. TolbertPublisher, El Paso Naturallywww.elpasonaturally.blogspot.comEasy to subscribe to the elpasonaturally e-letter.
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Mountain Committee Duties Given to Open Space Advisory Board

In order to streamline government and save the taxpayers of El Paso some money, City Council at its meeting yesterday eliminated 7 advisory boards or transferred their duties to another board or commission.

In the past the Mountain Committee has been tasked with reviewing development applications in the hillside and mountain development areas which contain the bulk of El Paso's ecologically sensitive land so that development doesn't disrupt the environment in those areas. Staff recommended to Council that CPC assume these duties.

However, some citizens approached board members and suggested that the Open Space Advisory Board take over the Mountain Committee duties. At the Council meeting Sierra Club President, Bill Addington, also spoke in favor of OSAB being the best home for the Mountain Committee's former oversights. Representative Byrd requested the change and Council passed her recommendation.

Charlie Wakeem, a member of the OSAB, was jubilant. He announced to others: "When the item to abolish the Mountain Committee came up, Susie Byrd made the motion to turn its duties over to the OSAB. It passed unanimously!"

Also at yesterday's meeting, the Council approved the appointment of Mr. Addington to the Open Space Board - an appointment made by Representative Rachel Quintana.