SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — The future of a major development project in Sunland Park is uncertain after the city council voted to deny crucial business approvals.
Mayor Javier Perea of Sunland Park acknowledged the council’s decision to reject Independent Nation’s plan to open a dispensary at the Texas – New Mexico state line.
“At the end of the day, the council made the decision to reject the request for a subdivision replant and then also an SUP, a special use permit,” said Perea.
RELATED: Sunland Park council crushes zoning for dispensary near state line amid fierce opposition
Representatives from Independent Nation expressed their frustration following the vote.
“Obviously we’re disappointed and confused because we’re fully in compliance with all new best of laws,” said Amit Bijlani, principal of Independent Nation.
The company now faces two options if they wish to proceed.
“If they disagree with the decision that the council has made, then they can ask for an appeal and that has to be taken to district court,” said Perea.
“The petitioners can also ask, they can start the process all over again and then resubmit everything.”
The dispensary was intended to be part of a larger entertainment complex planned for the area.
“Well, the entertainment center, it’s all sort of a uniform project, right? I mean, it’s separate, but I think they… You think of the dispensary as an anchor tenant,” said Bijlani.
The city council’s decision could significantly delay these plans.
“Oh, this is certainly going to cause delays. You know, every, you know, these delays are extraordinarily costly. They’re very expensive. They are very time consuming. And so this is certainly going to delay the project,” Bijlani added.
RELATED: Poll: Do you agree with the City Council’s decision to deny dispensary plans?
Mayor Perea noted the potential impact on the community.
“Any delays, obviously, in economic development and within the city, can hurt future revenues to the community,” he said.
It remains unclear how long the decision will delay groundbreaking on the entertainment venue.
Do you agree with the City Council’s decision to deny dispensary plans?
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