Over objections from land developers and homebuilders, the El Paso City Council today approved a new subdivision ordinance containing smart growth elements.

The 6-1 vote came after the defeat of a motion to postpone action on the ordinance for 30 days as requested by developers. [Editor's note: The initial vote was given incorrectly as 4-3.]

Northeast city Rep. Melina Castro cast the lone no vote.

Developers said the new ordinance would significantly raise the price of new homes, eliminate features such as cul-de-sacs that homebuyers have been willing to pay more for and make in-town subdivisions less competitive with developments outside the city.

The ordinance is a major piece of legislation for the city that has been in the works for more than a year.

It was recommended for passage by an ad hoc committee that included representatives of the development community and neighborhood associations.

Speaking as the neighborhood associations’ representative, Charlie Wakeem agreed that the ordinance is not perfect and will need changes as problems arise, but he urged the council to approve it.

“Every neighborhood association in the city supports it,” said Wakeem, president of the Coronado Neighborhood Association, said. “It must be passed with no delays.”

City Manager Joyce Wilson said the ad hoc committee was criticized because it had too many developer representatives, yet that committee has recommended approval.

“I see no reason to table this for 30 days,” she said, noting that the city has been harshly criticized for the repeated delays in finishing the ordinance.

Speaking for small homebuilders, lobbyist Ray Mancera expressed support for the ordinance but asked for a delay in its adoption to determine how it would impact the homebuilders he represented.

Among the concerns raised by developers were the “unintended consequences” of the ordinance and provisions aimed at major developers that could hurt small ones.

One example will be the requirement for a traffic analysis that could cost as much as $50,000 with every new development, even one as small as a small shopping center or a single new business.



David Crowder can be reached at dcrowder@epmediagroup.com