Council advances first reading of zoning and parking ordinance amid neighborhood calls for more vetting

The El Paso City Council on July 22 approved the first reading of several planning and zoning ordinances, including Item 19, which would change zoning/parking categories and allow parking reductions in parts of the Uptown redevelopment area. The vote was procedural — advancing the ordinances to public hearing — but drew sustained public comment and multiple council members' requests for additional stakeholder engagement.

Representative Limon opened the item by stressing that the action was a first reading and not a final decision. "This is not a final decision," Limon said, adding the public will have "about a month" to review and participate before the item returns for final action.

Several residents and civic representatives asked that the specific item be postponed so the city could present and consult directly with affected property owners. Mary Bardosh asked council to postpone Item 19 and require a formal presentation to stakeholders, saying she believed Texas law protocol requires stakeholder presentation before an item is…