Whats El Paso going to be like

[luplor]

Fred, I dont dispute what the two of you are saying. But I just find hard to believe. EspeEcially in view of the plan to bring all plans from Germany has changed. That change was pedicated on the fact the Russia is once again flexing its muscles. Also based on my own experience, I have never seen or heard of such large numbers moving off post.

I can remember studies being done telling us how well paid we were and how great the benefits were. So I dont dont put a lot of stock in studies. I should have been born in Missouri, the show me state.

However you have studies and I dont. Interesting point you both make and perhaps times have really changed and people dont like living on posts.

[atrabilius]

54,000 soldiers, spouses and dependents; 60 percent of that is 32,400. Add that to the roughly 80,000 people El Paso added in its net gain of population between 1990 and 2000 and that's 112,400.

[1979]

While I understand the pros of development it is important to keep the greed of politics in mind when it comes to crazy development. I don't want to see this city end up an ugly sprawl monsters like Phoenix, which I think is gradually taking place. Zoning laws contribute to sprawl and autocentricity. We need change in that regard; but truthfully I don't think its going to happen, I think El Paso is doomed, it will continue to be over developed and natural desert landscape will continue to dissipate. For those who like huge development, Houston, Phoenix, or Los Angeles would be a better choice to live.

[luplor]

1979, I am so glad to hear that. I am moved to this city because of its uniqueness and beatiful views of the desert. Heck if I wanted the skyscaper and concrete jungle living, I would have stayed back east. People look foward to the weekends and vacation to get away to open spaces and many people in EP actually want the congested look as a sign of progress.

79, I owe you a beer !

[malamute]

I'm with you two. I think El Paso's quality of life was best when it was under 400,000. The neighborhoods were small, very friendly, spread out. Not much traffic like there is today. I was probably a really cool town when it was less than 100,000 but that was before my time. The old houses on Montana must have seemed so elegant way back then and Executive Center was pretty far out of town.

[mrsrobinson73]

I also think that number may be a tad high ~ but I can guarantee you that the soldiers will be shopping and eating at el paso business's and restaurants. I realize that many only see the "down sides" of the soldiers a comin to el paso ~ but don't forget that we soldiers and families love to spend money ~ and we don't just stick on post ~ we like to venture out :0)