LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- The city of Las Cruces on Monday acquired new land from New Mexico State University to build a convention and events center.

After years of getting everything finalized, city leaders said it will waste no time in getting construction underway.

“What's happened today is the staff has received the go ahead to proceed with the construction of the convention center as soon as possible,” said Brian Denmark, facilities director with the city of Las Cruces.

City councilors agreed to annex more than 10 acres of land from on the northwest side of NMSU to start building the already funded $27 million facility.

“You are bringing people from the outside living in our community for a short period of time using our hotels our restaurants things of that nature and putting back into the city community through gross receipts,” said Denmark.

What some see as growth, others see as a loss.

“When people see those kids of establishment rise here in Las Cruces, Las Cruces moves from being a small city with a small town feel,” said Miguel Pena of South Las Cruces.

“We need that extra land for maybe some parking. If it's not parking, maybe we could some put some more building up there,” said Fernie Gonzalez of South East Las Cruces.

The annexation comes at a time when the city has cut back on spending and is seeing fewer dollars come in. But once complete, the dollars could come in.

“Most of that is going to be from the rental of the center itself be it through the collection of gross receipts lodger’s tax -- things of that nature. Whatever fees are collected based on the use of the convention center," said Denmark.

And with growth there will be growing pains. It could come as traffic at first.

“It’s just a crowd issue. There are not that many entrances to get into this college. It’s basically University Avenue. That's all you have,” Gonzalez said. Another annexation is likely.

Another annexation is likely. A hotel is planned in the future on land adjacent to the convention center.