court rulings continue protracted el paso arena fight

Just days after the Texas Supreme Court lifted an injunction against the further demolition of an historic El Paso neighborhood in order to make way for the construction of a multi-purpose arena, another court has stepped in to stop that demolition.

Judge Patrick Garcia of the 384th Judicial District Court of El Paso County said that in issuing the temporary injunction, the court was trying to prevent damage done to an historic site that would be “permanent and irreplaceable.”

The injunction, however, will only be in place until October 21, when a hearing will be held in the district court on the question of imposing a more permanent ban on demolition activity in the Duranguito neighborhood.

The Judge’s order specifically mentioned the possible existence of Mescalero Apache remains that may still exist in the Duranguito area.

According to Max Grossman, an associate professor of art history at the University of Texas at El Paso, the Mescalero Apaches lived in what were described as “peace camps” established by Spain in the Duranguito area in the late 18th century.

There has as of yet been no official response from the City of El Paso regarding the District Court ruling.

By Garry Boulard

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