Proposed Housing Project on Mesa Hills: Impact on Property Values and Community

Hey El Paso, there's been quite a stir about the Mesa Hills South housing project lately, especially around Coronado Hills and Coronado Del Sol. The plan is to build 104 affordable housing units for families making between 50% and 80% of the area’s median income. With all the chatter, let’s break down what’s really going on and what it could mean for our community.

What’s All the Fuss About?

Traffic Jams: A big topic of concern is how this project might affect traffic. The Housing Authority of the City of El Paso (HOME) estimates that we could see about 40 more cars per hour during peak times at busy spots like Sunland Park and Mesa Hills Drive. City officials are on it, looking into ways to improve road access and manage traffic better. Still, it’s something to keep an eye on as the project moves forward.

Property Values: Some folks are worried that property values might take a hit. While it’s a valid concern, history tells us a different story. Remember when the Retreat at Mesa Hills was proposed? There were fears that property values would drop, but in reality, they continued to rise. Generally speaking, well-designed developments don’t drag down property values. In fact, areas around new projects have often seen values go up.

Neighborhood Vibe and Safety: Another worry is that the neighborhood might change or that there could be a rise in crime. It’s true that new developments can shift the character of a community, and managing safety is always important. But, with good planning and community involvement, new projects often blend in well and can even enhance local appeal. Past projects in El Paso have shown that thoughtful development can benefit neighborhoods rather than hurt them.

Lessons from the Past

Medano Heights: Take the Medano Heights project, for example. This 146-unit complex came with amenities like a clubhouse and playground. After it was completed, property values in nearby areas have in increased along with the city market trends. This shows that when projects are well-planned, they can have a positive effect on the neighborhood.

Ruben Salazar Complex: Another example is the Ruben Salazar complex, which is undergoing a $93 million renovation. Even though it was closed for a period, the renovation hasn’t led to a drop in surrounding property values. This shows that large-scale improvements can have a positive impact on local real estate.

What’s Happening in the Market?

Current Trends: Recent real estate data shows that property values in El Paso tend to rise, even with new developments. Areas close to these projects often see property appreciation, which is encouraging.  However, every project is unique, so while trends are positive, we’ll need to see how this one plays out if the project is approved.

Potential Upsides:

• Community Upgrades: New developments usually bring improvements to local infrastructure and amenities, which can enhance our quality of life.
• Economic Growth: Projects like this can attract new businesses and services, giving the local economy a boost.
• More Housing Options: Adding affordable housing is a big win for our community, helping meet an important need.

Potential Downsides:

• Increased Traffic: As mentioned, we might see more cars on the road, especially during peak times. Even with improvements, traffic congestion could be a challenge.
• Property Value Fluctuations: While past projects haven’t led to significant declines, there’s always a chance that property values could be affected in the short term as the market adjusts.
• Changes to Neighborhood Character: New developments can alter the feel of a community. While they can bring benefits, there’s also a possibility that the local vibe might change, which might not be welcomed by everyone.

Final Thoughts

The Mesa Hills South project has definitely stirred up a lot of conversation. While it’s important to address concerns about traffic and property values, it’s also crucial to consider the potential benefits like increased affordable housing and economic growth. Ultimately, we won’t fully know how the Mesa Hills project will affect the neighborhood until it happens. However, based on case studies from similar developments, there’s no strong evidence suggesting it will negatively impact property values or quality of life. Let’s stay open-minded and hope that, if it moves forward, it will bring positive changes and opportunities for everyone.