Dear Friends and Media,
Mayor Leeser just released the attached statement, which reads as follows:
Statement by Mayor Oscar Leeser
El Paso Downtown Historic District nomination to
National Register of Historic Places
“I was very open during my campaign that I support improvements to the Abraham Chavez
Theatre and convention center, which will allow us to expand its purpose to a true
multipurpose performing arts and entertainment center (MPC), able to attract larger
conventions and other events that our community needs. This would have a positive
economic impact not only downtown, but with businesses and service providers
throughout our region. My position has not changed.
The Texas Historical Commission requested an opinion from the City of El Paso in
November on the nomination of the Downtown El Paso Historic District to the National
Register of Historic Places. The response, sent by the previous Mayor in December,
reflected a decision made by the City Council of El Paso on September of 2020 – and
reaffirmed by Council vote in December – supporting the nomination, with the exclusion of
the previously selected MPC site, and asking for a postponement of the meeting in order
to afford the City enough time to provide additional information.
I look forward to working with my fellow elected officials, with a particular focus on working
as a team to ensure the best possible outcome for the citizens of our region.”
I have no comment, but I refer you to the KTSM 9 News headline: https://www.ktsm.com/local/mayor-oscar-leeser-signals-he-wont-act-on-downtown-historic-district-which-includes-duranguito/
Buena noche.
Max
Max Grossman, PhD
Board of Directors, Preservation Texas
Vice-Chair, The Trost Society
Co-Chair, Restore Sacred Heart Church