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Commission approves Gateway Estates replat with sidewalk exception after debate
Summary
The commission approved a major combination replat for Gateway Estates in the extraterritorial jurisdiction, granting exceptions to required roadway and sidewalk improvements after commissioners debated whether to require new sidewalks and future taxpayer costs; roll call recorded 5 ayes, 3 nays.
The El Paso City Plan Commission on Aug. 28 approved a major combination replat for Gateway Estates, a request to resubdivide 5.01 acres into three nonresidential lots in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction east of Joe Battle Boulevard and south of Mahwah Drive.
Mirna Aguilar, planning staff, said the applicant proposed on-site ponding for stormwater and requested exceptions to waive dedication of an additional 5 feet of right-of-way for Brandywine Road, to waive construction of a 30-foot roadway on Brandywine and to waive construction of a 6-foot sidewalk along Brandywine Road. Aguilar told commissioners the exceptions meet Title 19 criteria because surrounding subdivisions were already developed with matching conditions.
Commissioners debated whether to require sidewalk construction now to avoid pushing future costs to taxpayers. Commissioner Smith argued the commission should “prepare for that” growth and favor sidewalks to avoid taxpayers bearing the cost later. Other commissioners said matching existing conditions was reasonable and that sidewalks built now might be damaged or require rebuilding by the time neighboring parcels connect. Commissioner Masood said sidewalks that sit unconnected “will be pretty much damaged by the time somebody else connects to it.”
Aaron Alvarado, the applicant’s representative, said he and the applicant concurred with staff recommendations. After discussion, the commission voted; a roll-call recorded the following votes: Commissioner Badillo — Aye; Commissioner Massoud — Aye; Commissioner (Borrego/Barego) — Nay; Commissioner Hansen — Aye; Commissioner Rodriguez — Nay; Commissioner Woodiebe — Aye; Commissioner Apodaca — Aye; Commissioner Reyes — Nay. The chair announced the tally as five ayes and three nays and declared the motion carried.
The approval grants the requested exceptions under El Paso City Code Title 19 and forwards the commission’s recommendation to City Council. The decision noted that each replat and exception is considered on its individual merits and that any subsequent development will be subject to engineering and permitting review.
