Comments from June 23 2022 City Engagement Meeting
CFC members and organizations testify
Preserving historic Durangito is important and various community leaders spoke up as to why. Fr Garcia (with mic), Cynthia Renteria, Paso del Sur, David Romo, Kathy Staudt, City Rep Joe Molina.
Picture credit: Ana Reza
Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity to testify. My name is Kathleen Staudt, a retired professor of political science and public administration and Moderator of the Community First Coalition of 25 organizations. I am here to explain why (1) El Paso does NOT need another arena in and near downtown and (2) to offer some alternatives.
No doubt by now you know the UGLY recent history of the so-called quality of life (manipulatively written) bond to destroy the Duranguito neighborhood, despite valiant residents who remain as other residents were pushed out.
Slumlords owned or purchased some buildings, let them decay without maintenance or attention from city inspection, holding out for inflated prices that the city paid to get control over some of the properties for the arena that downtown developers sought to impose upon our community.
A large cross-section of people protested and thousands signed numerous petitions that the city did not recognize, and then finally filed lawsuits which have—thankfully—delayed full demolition and destruction so that costs for the arena have risen well beyond what was allocated in 2012 or what beleaguered taxpayers can pay. Developers CONSTANTLY seek AND gain subsidies from taxpayers in a city that levies the highest property taxes in the Texas. El Paso’s per capita income of $23,450 (with a poverty rate of 19%) offers a great contrast to the national per capita income of $35,384 (and poverty rate of 11%).
We do NOT want or need another arena with costly event fees, open only part of the time for scheduled events with little to no parking except for lots owned by the developers.
INSTEAD, the El Paso community seeks historic and cultural preservation of an ancient neighborhood which can and will display ongoing features that draw visitors to the area. Existing houses should be remodeled without gentrification.
Other cities have restored attractive historic neighborhoods near their downtowns. I am thinking here of Chicago’s Pilsen Mexican American Neighborhood west of downtown with a 30% affordable housing requirement for new construction, HUGE fees for demolition permits, and cooperative housing—all of which coincide with small restaurants and authentic places of interest. (Of course, I know that developers have deep pockets that could cover huge demolition fees.)
While the developers and overpaid city bureaucrats seem intent on railroading some sort of arena project into Duranguito, I/we ask that you conduct your work with this COMMUNITY in mind. WE THE PEOPLE should be your lens. After all, the people, beleaguered—dare I say again—with extremely high property taxes, are paying for your fees. El Paso has a beautiful Civic Center at the edge of Duranguito that could use the funds for restoration and remodeling without the destruction and gentrification that the city wishes to impose upon us.
The entire ten-year process--2012 to 2022—has bred an enormous amount of cynicism among El Pasoans who believe that the majority of council representatives, City Manager and Attorney have been captured by developers. PLEASE do not allow them to capture you and your firm.