El Paso Planning Commission reviews commercial development proposal near Artcraft Road

The City Plan Commission meeting held on June 18, 2025, focused on a comprehensive plan amendment and a rezoning application for a 5.1-acre vacant property located south of Artcraft Road and west of Westside Drive in El Paso. The applicant seeks to change the future land use designation from agricultural to suburban walkable to facilitate a neighborhood commercial development, which includes a convenience store with gas pumps and a shopping center.

The proposed amendment aligns with the Northwest Upper Valley plan, which emphasizes neighborhood-compatible commercial development. The current agricultural designation is deemed obsolete due to surrounding developments and the nearby state highway. The applicant is requesting to rezone the property from ranch and farm to commercial to support this development.

Public notices were sent to property owners within 300 feet of the site, resulting in two phone calls and one email opposing the request, alongside a petition with 25 signatures in support. City staff recommended approval of both the amendment and the rezoning, citing compatibility with surrounding areas and adherence to the Northwest Upper Valley plan.

Conditions for approval include the requirement for a detailed site development plan, a minimum distance of 500 feet between establishments selling alcohol for on-site consumption and providing outdoor amplified sound, and the construction of a five-foot sidewalk along Westside Drive. Additionally, no egress for semi-trucks in a southbound direction on Westside Drive will be permitted.

Commissioners raised concerns about the neighborhood compatibility of the proposed gas station and shopping center, with some community members advocating for alternative developments such as a recreation center or dog park. The discussion highlighted the need for flexibility in commercial development to serve local residents without increasing traffic congestion.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue between city planners, community members, and developers regarding the future of commercial spaces in El Paso, particularly in areas designated for neighborhood-friendly uses. The commission's decision on the amendment and rezoning will shape the development landscape of the Northwest Upper Valley.