El Paso Local Pulse: Debate Swirls Over $165B AI Project, Infrastructure Upgrades, and Community Spirit

Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Sunday, September 28, 2025.

We start with what’s on everyone’s mind: Project Jupiter, the proposed 165 billion dollar AI data center near Santa Teresa. After heated public hearings and protests, Dona Ana County officials approved a major industrial revenue bond for this project just last week. The developers promise over 750 full-time jobs and a 300 million dollar commitment in payments instead of property taxes for the next three decades. While some in our community are excited by the economic boost, many are voicing deep concerns about water use and the environmental impact. As this project shifts into the permitting phase, the debate over our region’s future continues, with local leaders promising more opportunities for public input.

From El Paso City Hall, attention is turning toward several infrastructure upgrades affecting daily commutes, especially near Mesa Street and downtown. Decisions to improve crosswalk safety and add LED street lighting are expected to be finalized soon, making night travel safer for everyone. City Council is also looking at new small business relief programs after hearing from struggling owners in east and northeast El Paso.

As for the weather, today brings classic El Paso sunshine, clear skies, and temperatures climbing into the upper 80s. Outdoor events and neighborhood soccer games are a go. There’s no rain in the forecast, so we can expect a smooth finish to the weekend. Just plan for those afternoon winds that might pick up around Transmountain.

The job market stays active, especially in logistics and tech. Multiple warehouse positions are open along Gateway East, with average starting salaries near 17 dollars an hour. Harmon Industries just announced a round of hiring for software technicians, and those interested can apply at their new office in the Lower Valley.

Real estate remains competitive. Last week, nearly 130 homes were sold across the city, with an average price of about 265 thousand dollars. Listings in the Westside and near Kern Place continue to draw fast offers, especially properties with well-kept yards and views of the Franklin Mountains.

Let’s talk sports. Last night, the UTEP Miners football team battled Louisiana Tech at Sun Bowl Stadium for Homecoming. Our defense played tough, racking up five sacks and recovering three fumbles, but turnovers were costly. The final score—Miners fell 30 to 11. Coach Scotty Walden says the team showed grit and progress, setting the stage for next Wednesday’s matchup against Liberty, also here at the Sun Bowl.

School pride is strong this week. Jefferson High’s robotics team placed second in the regionals, and across El Paso ISD, attendance is up as families settle into the rhythm of the fall semester.

On the business front, we’re welcoming Café Azul’s grand opening today at the corner of Stanton and Cincinnati, bringing local art and cold brew to the university crowd. Meanwhile, Tinman’s Books on Dyer is sadly closing after 12 years, hoping to sell out its remaining stock with major discounts.

Turning to public safety, there were no major incidents overnight, but police remind us to stay cautious near I-10 and Lee Trevino due to an uptick in minor vehicle thefts. Last week, several arrests were made in connection with catalytic converter thefts on the far east side. No injuries were reported.

For a feel-good story, volunteers from Sunrise Baptist spent Saturday cleaning up Marty Robbins Park, gathering over 40 bags of trash and planting new sunflowers. It’s proof that community pride continues to grow here at home.

For upcoming events, mark your calendars for Barrio Fest on Texas Avenue this Saturday, and the El Paso Symphony’s fall concert happening Friday night at the Plaza Theatre.

Thanks for tuning in and don’t forget to subscribe for tomorrow’s updates. This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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