I voted for state-of-the-art indoor arena for downtown: Henry Felix

Dear mayor and city representatives,

When I voted for a downtown multipurpose arena, I was under no illusions. I voted for what I assumed would be a state-of-the-art indoor arena hosting a variety of events to include athletic events, concerts, and other types of events.

As part of the downtown revitalization plan, I envisioned it to be built in the original location of the eyesore, rundown area known as Duranguito. An area, by the way, that I have been to once in my life when I took a wrong turn and ended up in a third world depressed neighborhood, and I have lived here 78 years. It definitely is not a “must see” tourist destination. It is likely listed as an area to be avoided.

An arena built in that area would have been a perfect complement to the museums, Southwest University Park and a remodeled Convention Center along with the upgrades in parking, hotel remodels and other downtown area amenities. As usual, the city dropped the ball and let one man, Max Grossman, dictate to the citizens of El Paso who voted for the arena.

More: 'Cancel the (arena) project altogether': Max Grossman

Your proposed plans in the Union Depot area only proves my point. It is a worthless idea not to mention a waste of resources and a “lick and a promise.”  But that is how El Paso rolls.

If you must spend the money, destroy the County Coliseum and rebuild it to a slightly larger size, or remodel it to a state-of-the-art facility. Then try to pass a new bond issue for the arena only, solicit local entrepreneurs or national ones for financial backing and a piece of the pie. Build a modern state of the art facility we can be proud of to complement the existing downtown area. Fight to demolish the ghetto eyesore that is Duranguito and build it there.

Unfortunately for me, 12 years have passed since passage of the quality of life bond. Given my current age, I will never live long enough to enjoy something I once voted for, and neither will most of my grandchildren as they likely will relocate someplace that has more to offer than the biggest little city in the USA.

Think outside the box for once.

I vote NO for the Union Depot plan.

Regrets,

Henry Felix

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Union Depot arena plan is worthless idea: Henry Felix