SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — A small patch of land near the New Mexico-Texas border is at the center of a growing debate in Sunland Park.
The land, located just off Emory Lane and a few feet from the state line, is being eyed by a local cannabis dispensary, and it’s raising eyebrows among nearby residents.
“This is not what we formerly referred to as the mom and pop head shops,” said Dan Arvizu of the Sunland Park Cannabis Coalition. “This is more of a business that is growing into its own.”
RELATED:Sunland Park City Council to decide on cannabis dispensary proposal
Arvizu was one of several voices at the meeting where concerns were raised about a potential cannabis business moving in next to the Independent Nation property.
While cannabis is legal in New Mexico, it remains illegal just across the state line in Texas, prompting some residents to worry about potential cross-border tensions.
“We don’t want to be too close to Texas or poke them too much because they will bite,” said New Mexico resident Chad Lozano.
The piece of land in question had previously attracted controversy when it was considered for a strip club.
David Bingham, president of Heritage Group and co-owner of Independent Nation, which owns adjacent property, clarified the company’s involvement.
“We had a small surplus piece of land, and a gentleman’s club made an offer to buy the land. That’s our only involvement,” he said. “We’re not involved [in the current sale]. We don’t own it. They’re just buying land in this area.”
According to Bingham, the top bidder for the land now is a local dispensary, one he claims is already the top-selling cannabis retailer in Sunland Park.
David Bingham, a representative of the Independent Nation project, addressed concerns regarding delays and the nature of businesses associated with the development.
The project, which broke ground over a year ago, has faced setbacks due to issues with public utilities and a redesign of the facility.
“We had a delay on public utilities, sewer, and water,” Bingham said. “We completely redesigned it to make sure that we got it right.”
Residents and nearby businesses have expressed concerns about the types of establishments that may open near Independent Nation, fearing it could include a strip club or dispensary.
Bingham clarified, “Independent Nation is an entertainment complex, and it’s a community center for the city.
The controversy also involves a piece of land near the development.
RELATED: Residents protest proposed strip club near family venues in Sunland Park
Bingham stated, “We were going to sell a vacant piece of unused land to a gentleman’s club… That’s our only involvement.” He added that the land sale was contingent on the buyer obtaining a license, which has not yet been applied for.
Bingham assured that Independent Nation complies with all state laws and regulations, stating, “We’ve complied with every state law that there is… It’s going to be, I think, an amazing addition to the city of Sunland Park.”
He urged the community to consider the facts and history of cannabis in the area, saying, “We hope they have an open mind, look at the details, look at the history of cannabis in the last two years in Sunland Park and don’t overreact to a group of competitors trying to stop a high selling operation.”
Still, not everyone is convinced it’s the right move.
“Is what they’re planning something that the citizens of our community really could find value and benefit in?” Arvizu questioned.
Adding to the tension is the land’s proximity to Texas, where cannabis remains illegal.
“We need to make sure that we reach out to both sides, the Texas side and the New Mexico side,” Arvizu said. “There have been a number of objections right there on that line.”
While the Sunland Park City Council was initially set to vote on steps that would move the sale of the land forward at Tuesday’s meeting, officials ultimately decided to postpone the item for 60 days, giving more time for public input and further discussion.
In the meantime, the land remains undeveloped, and its future is uncertain.
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