Even though I’ve been retired from city government for 10 years and spend some of my winter in Florida, I’m still an El Pasoan and pay my taxes here. This latest idea for a performance center is a total waste of money .
It will net nothing in terms of a new venue. The site stinks. It’s isolated and an environmental hazard. Do you have any idea what it will cost to clean it up enough to build? Plus the noise and vibration from the railroad will undermine any performance.
If this City Council doesn’t support the original vision of the bond, then do nothing — but don’t do harm. Stop listening to folks like Max Grossman, who do nothing but destroy our city and undermine its progress.
Ten years ago, the community envisioned a facility with a minimum of 14,000 seats. Anything less is like flushing money down the toilet.
How about collaborating with UTEP for a new and expanded Haskins Center facility with better accommodations, more seating and modern acoustics for performances? It could be a great three-party venture and create a world-class venue.