Sunland Park, NM (KFOX14 / CBS4) – The future of a major development project in Sunland Park is uncertain after the municipal council voted to refuse crucial commercial approvals.
Mayor Javier Perea of Sunland Park admitted the Council’s decision to reject the independent nation plan to open a dispensary to the Texas line – New Mexico City.
“In the end, the Council made the decision to reject the request for subdivision replant, then also a SUP, a special use permit,” said Perea.
Representatives of the independent nation expressed their frustration after the vote.
“Obviously, we are disappointed and confused because we are fully in accordance with all new laws,” said Amit Bijlani, director of the independent nation.
The company now faces two options if it wishes to proceed.
“If they do not agree with the decision that the council has made, then they can request an appeal and which must be brought before the district court,” said Perea.
“Petitioners can also ask, they can start the process again, then subject everything to everything.”
The dispensary was intended to be part of a wider entertainment complex provided for the region.
“Well, the entertainment center is a kind of uniform project, right? I mean, it’s separated, but I think they … You think of the dispensary as an anchor tenant,” said Bijlani.
The municipal council’s decision could considerably delay these plans.
“Oh, it will certainly cause delays. You know, each, you know, these delays are extraordinarily expensive. They are very expensive. They take a long time. And so it will certainly delay the project,” added Bijlani.
In relation: Survey: Do you agree with the municipal council’s decision to refuse the dispensary plans?
Mayor Perea noted the potential impact on the community.
“Any delay, obviously, in economic development and in the city, can affect the future income of the community,” he said.
It is not known how long the decision will delays the inauguration at the entertainment location.
Do you agree with the municipal council’s decision to refuse the dispensary plans?
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