So I decided that I would write down some thoughts on why I think El Paso might succeed or fail. I want El Paso to succeed and I think it will. However, it is only fair to also look at what might hold the Sun City back from becoming what it wants. Tell me if you agree, disagree, or want to add to the list.
Why El Paso might fail
1) El Paso Flight (Inability to keep local talent here. ex) recent high school/college graduates)
2) Failure to promote/sustain small business growth
3) Not capitalizing on El Paso area assets (stable economy, alternative energy(wind/solar), skilled manufacturing workforce)
4) Failure to improve quality of life (shopping, entertainment, public space, the Arts, etc.)
5) Not embracing urbanism & smart growth strategies
6) Not improving the current local education situation
Why El Paso might succeed
7) Realization that now is the time to make change
8) Key visionary figures & organizations like Paul Foster, Pat Abeln, Beto O’Rourke, REDco, and countless others who want a better El Paso
9) Masterplans for Medical Center of the Americas and Downtown
10) Fort Bliss expansion
11) Implementation of Mass Transit projects
12) UTEP growth and addition of new programs
13) Promotion to outside world of what the real El Paso is all about
14) Beautiful weather and friendly citizens
My name is David and I am living El Paso.
11 responses so far ↓
Wendy // December 2, 2008 at 6:28 pm |
This list was really interesting, but I’d like to add something to your Might Fail list. It’s I-10. I’m an outsider (Boston), but I think it was a mistake for EP to allow a highway to run directly through the city and divide it like this. It’s made the various sections of the city seem too far away from each other, not to mention the traffic jam horrors on I-10 at various times of the day. We live on the west side and getting friends from the east side to come over here is like pulling teeth (though I’m just as guilty, I hate having to fight my way over there through traffic.) A better mass transit system, as you suggested in your Might Succeed list, might resolve that issue.
livingelpaso // December 2, 2008 at 9:27 pm |
I-10 is a double-edged sword. It’s great because it brings out of town traffic through the town, but terrible because it is the only main artery through the city…oh and it is kinda ugly too. Drving to the east side feels like forever and Horizon is even longer. I think an increase in the speed limit might help move traffic. I will add your suggestion to the list.
Wendy // December 3, 2008 at 2:03 am |
Thank you! Yeah, we talk about I-10 all the time. For some people traveling through, it’s the only El Paso they see. And that’s a shame.
EP4life // December 3, 2008 at 2:39 am |
Definitely need to capitalize on solar and most importantly wind energy. The area is always breezy. David wait till March. That is when the dust storms kick up. We could be generating our own power and then some.
livingelpaso // December 3, 2008 at 4:38 am |
I agree Wendy. One of my favorite drives is on TransMountain Road. I also enjoy driving down Mesa through Kern Place and into Sunset Heights.
I love the wind EP. I really can’t wait for it. I guess you could classify me as weather nerd. I left severe thunderstorms in SA/Waco for dust/wind in EP….but I’m not complaining. The weather here is beautiful.
Oscar // December 4, 2008 at 12:23 am |
Hey, I enjoy reading your opinions and blogs about El Paso and the challenges of living here. I was born and raised in El Paso and at my age, I should be living life for the likes of Austin,Tx (hey, a lot of people in my age range are haha). At age 25 and in El Paso, I can’t complain. El Paso will always be home but I hate seeing El Paso not being able to advance to its full potential. Whether its city council or the citizens themselves, something is holding El Paso back….. hopefully not for long.
livingelpaso // December 4, 2008 at 12:39 am |
Hey thanks for reading Oscar! I am right there with you. I turn 24 in couple days and all of my friends are living in Dallas, Austin, Houston, NYC, and DC. I am happy that you have chosen to stay here. People like you are the ones who will take El Paso to greater heights and help it truly realize its potential. What are some of your thoughts on helping El Paso get to the next level?
Wendy // December 5, 2008 at 6:26 pm |
I’m buried in work today (and have been all this week, really) so I can’t get into the details about bike lanes that I’d like to (we owned a bicycle shop on Cape Cod, and bike lanes were a huge topic. They finally built some, but it was the paved bike trails through the wood and along the ocean that were really a hit — here on the west side we’ve got one that looks great, right along the desert, but there’s no visible parking lot! Where can we leave our car?!) Anyway — I just want to say that I even though I do copy editing for my job, writing is really my thing, so you probably don’t want me copy editing.
Oh David, I also wanted to tell you that you can link your comment name to your blog by going to WordPress.com > My Account (which is on the right side of the home page)> Profile. If you scroll down in your profile you’ll see where to insert your blog address. Just be sure to save it when you get it all set up. As long as you stay logged onto WordPress your blog should always be linked to your comments so people can follow it and find you.
Whew, for someone who wanted to leave a quick comment I certainly prattled on…
livingelpaso // December 5, 2008 at 7:23 pm |
Thanks for the info. I look forward to hearing your expanded thoughts on bike lanes, especially since y’all owned a bike shop. I changed my profile settings, so I hope it works now. I have a few ideas for the Resler & Helen of Troy area that I will share next week.
Oscar // December 11, 2008 at 12:05 am |
Hey David. So about your question on helping el paso get to the next level….I believe we need to push for more larger business to help the tax burden on home owners. This would obviously help the tax payers and at the same time draw franchises, spur economic development, and more jobs for skilled workers. An amusement park would be great and a Dave and Busters haha but I think I’m just asking for too much.
livingelpaso // December 11, 2008 at 8:13 am |
I’m with you on your thoughts about easing the tax burden on the home owner. The farah project would have helped. D&B would be nice for sure. Great place to take family and friends.