SUNLAND PARK, N.M (KFOX14/CBS4) — KFOX14/CBS4 went directly to Sunland Park City Hall in an attempt to question city leaders named in a new lawsuit that accuses them of improperly blocking a multi-million-dollar entertainment project.
Independent Nation LLC, the developers behind a proposed entertainment hub and cannabis dispensary, filed the suit alleging that five of the six Sunland Park City Council members, along with several local business owners, derailed their project through improper actions, misinformation, defamation, and conflicts of interest.
KFOX14/CBS4 reached out to the council members involved but did not receive responses.
Outside City Hall, KFOX14/CBS4 approached Councilor Maria Burciaga and asked about Independent Nation’s claims that the council wrongfully denied zoning and licensing approvals.
When asked if she could comment, Burciaga replied, “I don’t know anything. I’m so sorry.”
She added that she had not been served with the lawsuit and directed questions to the city manager or city officials.
Julia Spencer reports on city officials’ response to lawsuit (Credit: KFOX14)
KFOX14/CBS4 mentioned to Burciaga that the city manager, Mario Juarez-Infante, and the city of Sunland Park was not named in the lawsuit, only councilors individually however she refused to comment.
When pressed further including whether she had spoken with the city about the lawsuit or whether she hoped to work with Independent Nation in the future, Burciaga repeated that she had no information and no comment.
The lawsuit also alleges that Councilor Daisy Lira had a conflict of interest when she voted against the project.
According to the complaint, Lira’s brother—Christian Lira, a dispensary owner and former councilor—had not been selected to participate in the proposed development and later led opposition to it.
Independent Nation principal Amit Bijlani said in a recorded interview sent to KFOX14/CBS4 that the relationship raised questions about objectivity, stating that the overlapping “family and employment relationships raise legitimate questions about the objectivity of the decision” and whether certain councilors should have recused themselves from the vote.
After a follow-up inquiry to Councilor Lira regarding the allegations she provided the statement:
“Thank you for reaching out. At this time, I cannot comment on any pending legal matters involving myself or members of my family. I have full confidence that the facts will be clarified through the appropriate legal process. As a public official, my priority remains serving the residents of Sunland Park with transparency, integrity, and respect. I appreciate your understanding, and I will not be giving interviews or making further statements regarding this case at this time.”
After Tuesday’s regularly scheduled city council meeting, KFOX14/CBS4 approached Councilor Lira about the allegations.
Lira denied that her brother’s involvement influenced her decision.
“No, I mean that has nothing to do with it,” she said.
She also rejected claims that she should have recused herself, adding, “I have nothing to gain or lose if they go in here or they don’t.”
Meantime, the City of Sunland Park has declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing active litigation.
The case is now moving forward in Doña Ana County District Court.
KFOX14/CBS4 will continue to follow the developments and bring updates as city leaders respond or as new information emerges.
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‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source kfoxtv.com ’
