SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 A district court judge has sided with developers behind a proposed entertainment venue in Sunland Park, reversing part of the city\u2019s decision to deny the project and ordering a new hearing.<\/p>\n
According to court documents, the ruling filed March 16 reverses the city\u2019s denial of a land replat \u2014 a division of property needed for the project \u2014 meaning that portion should be approved.<\/p>\n
The court also ordered the city to reconsider key permits through a new hearing.<\/p>\n
The ruling found the city did not provide a clear written explanation for denying the project, which the court said is required in that process.<\/p>\n
Read the full court order below:<\/p>\n
David Bingham, Principal of Independent Nation, said the decision supports what developers have argued.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it was affirming and upholding our contention that the permit denials that we experienced from City council were, as the judge said, fundamentally flawed, unquestionably failed to satisfy due process,\u201d Bingham said.<\/p>\n
Independent Nation’s proposed project includes an indoor entertainment venue planned for Sunland Park.<\/p>\n
Jordan Salas reports on Judge sides with Independent Nation developers, orders new hearing (Credit: KFOX14)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Developers say the project was blocked by the city last year after initially working with city leaders for more than two years.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were given a complete green light, welcomed to the city. At the very end, these permit denials froze the project,\u201d Bingham said.<\/p>\n
Court documents state the city must now hold a new hearing and follow proper procedures when reconsidering the permits.<\/p>\n
Developers also filed a separate lawsuit in November naming multiple defendants, including businesses and city officials, claiming the project was improperly blocked.<\/p>\n
View the lawsuit below: <\/p>\n
Bingham said he believes conflicts of interest may have played a role in the decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur contention is that one or two of the city reps had a vested interest,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The city now has about 45 days to hold a new hearing on the project.<\/p>\n
KFOX14\/CBS4 has reached out to Sunland Park leaders for comment but has not yet received a response.<\/p>\n
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