El Paso, TX (KFOX14/CBS4) — Residents of Sunland Park gathered in large numbers at a city council meeting to voice their opposition to a proposed annexation plan that could lead to the development of hundreds of new homes.
The proposal involves annexing 2,600 acres of Dona Ana County land into Sunland Park and rezoning approximately 1,200 acres for housing development.
Many residents expressed concerns about the city’s ability to support such growth, citing inadequate water and road conditions.
Michael Cicala, a resident, highlighted the city’s infrastructure issues, stating, “Water conditions are very poor. Road conditions are poor.”
Judy Adams, another resident, voiced her opposition to the expansion, saying, “We do not want any more poison expansion.”
The meeting saw only the mayor and two council members physically present, with others attending remotely.
Residents argued that Sunland Park lacks the necessary water infrastructure to support its current population, let alone new residents.
Adams emphasized the importance of the undeveloped land, saying, “All of us that bought in this golfing community, but not with the hopes that someday we would have a new 5,000 houses right behind our backs, right behind my backyard. But because we have green space, we have trees, we have animals, we have birds, and we have moose.”
Dona Ana County has also objected to the annexation plan, citing difficulties in supporting residents who would be left out of the annexation.
The city council has yet to make a decision, and attempts to reach them for comment have been unsuccessful.
RELATED: Sunland Park annexation proposal raises concerns from Dona Ana County
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