A new scientific poll of ABC-7 viewers suggests that many El Pasoans have stopped taking sides on whether a downtown arena should be built in the Duranguito District. According to the poll, 62% of respondents are now undecided, a significant rise in apathy on an issue that has dragged on for years.
The poll was conducted by the research company Magid. ABC-7 has run the survey four times in the past five years, asking El Paso news viewers whether they favor or oppose building a downtown arena in Duranguito. This year 314 El Paso County news viewers were polled. The maximum margin of error for a sample of 300 is 5.6%.
The dispute remains in the courts. Historical preservationist Max Grossman and billionaire J.P. Bryan have fought the City of El Paso in several courts for the past five years, and the Texas Historical Commission has been involved as well. Both sides have now been asked to give the Texas Supreme Court full briefs. They have also met in mediation more than once since last November, but Grossman said the latest meeting with attorneys present took place months ago and none is scheduled.
The conflict traces back to a 2012 Quality of Life Bond that El Paso County voters passed overwhelmingly. Among its signature projects was a Multipurpose Performing Arts and Entertainment Center. The bond set aside about $180 million, and about $150 million of that remains.
Grossman said the poll supports his position. "The fact that here we are in 2022 and only 26% of El Pasoans are in favor of demolishing Duranguito for a multipurpose arena, I think that speaks volumes," he said. "That is a very small number compared to 71%, right? I think that vindicates what I'm doing." Critics say he is wasting taxpayer money and time. Grossman acknowledged the city has spent $3.3 million fighting him, but argued he is saving taxpayers "well over half a billion." He estimates an arena built in the current economic climate would cost nearly triple what is left to spend.
Leadership on the city's side has also changed. Mayor Oscar Leeser said he does not support building an arena in Duranguito and wants the remaining money used elsewhere. "I believe that we need to have, to redo our convention center, to make it a performing arts center and incorporate Abraham Chavez Theatre because that's what the citizens want," Leeser said. He acknowledged that this is not what voters approved in 2012, but said residents "want something that will attract people to downtown." His predecessor, Dee Margo, fervently opposed Grossman and said the will of the people was to build the arena.
Leeser said he believes the city is no closer to an arena than it was ten years ago, and he sees upgrades to the theatre and convention center as the more cost-effective path, citing the recent redevelopment of several downtown hotels. He said he envisions Duranguito eventually resembling San Antonio's Riverwalk, with thriving shops and restaurants. Even so, nothing can proceed until the legal fight ends. "At the end of the day, both sides need to give a little so we can get to the middle," Leeser said. "And, again, stop wasting taxpayer's money."
Grossman, for his part, pictures an old town that draws heritage tourism. He said the city sometimes points out that he has lost most of his cases, but added, "Last time I checked the neighborhood is still there." He expects a downtown economy that makes room for new hotels, perhaps a new convention center or a revamped theatre, while also preserving what past generations left behind.
Meanwhile, the City of El Paso recently released the findings of a feasibility study for the multipurpose center. The study includes a public survey, but it asks only about the Duranguito footprint and does not address the Abraham Chavez Theatre or the convention center. Nearly ten years on, both sides appear interested in a resolution, but how long it will take remains an open question.
