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El Paso commissioners approve non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to pursue downtown ‘Deck Plaza’ after hours of public comment
Summary
After nearly four hours of public comment both for and against, the El Paso County Commissioner's Court voted 3–2 on April 13 to approve a non-binding framework with the City of El Paso and the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation to pursue planning and “future-proofing” for a proposed 6.5-acre park cap over I‑10. Supporters cited economic opportunity and connectivity; opponents warned of taxpayer risk and funding shortfalls.
The El Paso County Commissioner's Court on April 13 adopted a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the City of El Paso and the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation to pursue planning, design and funding steps for the proposed downtown “Deck Plaza,” a 6.5-acre public park proposed to cap six blocks of Interstate 10.
The court vote was 3–2 after more than two hours of public comment and a long debate among commissioners. County Judge Sango, Commissioner Olin and Commissioner Coronado voted in favor; Commissioners Butler and Gin voted no. Commissioner Stout was absent.
The MOU does not commit the county to construction or maintenance funding, county staff said during the discussion; instead it establishes a collaborative framework for planning, fundraising and negotiating future agreements. “This framework does not create a binding obligation to fund, construct, operate, or maintain the project,” Christina Martinez of County Administration told the court. Any future county commitments would require separate approval.
Supporters — including the…
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