Zoning issues make for lengthy meeting

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The changes on special use zoning came after four agenda items on just that issue were postponed by the council for two weeks, including the controversial rezoning of land at Willow Creek Road and NM 528. Several residents objected when developers of that property failed to submit a site plan as part of its rezoning request as required. Now zoning changes can be made without a site plan, though the Governing Body must approve a site plan before construction can be done.

Proponents of the change said it was not fair to make a landowner go to the expense of a site plan before knowing if the land could be rezoned for different uses. Opponents believe the change allows property owners to seek different zoning designations, usually from residential to commercial use, driving up the value of the rezoned property while lowering the value of surrounding home.

Councilor Larry Naranjo offered an amendment to make the city’s code similar committee to Albuquerque’s by requiring a developer to start construction within a year or the property revert back to its old zoning, but the motion died for lack of a second.

The ordinance then passed 4-1, with councilor Marilyn Salzman voting against. The Willow Creek property is in Salzman’s District 6, where she is seeking reelection as one of five candidates in the March 4 municipal election.

The LaPlazuela issue drew more public speakers than SAD-7. Ten addressed the council when it addressed the master plan for the area, which was considered as a resolution. Another 21 spoke on three ordinances that dealt with annexation of property and rezoning of property that could allow apartments in the area.

Most came from residents surrounding the area who own homes along Nativitas and Hapsburg who fear the development will create unsafe traffic conditions and block their view of the Sandia Mountains.

The property in question is on the northwest corner of NM 528 and Idalia, the former sight of a shooting range. When a driver along NM 528 was killed by a stray bullet in the late 1990s, the county purchased he land and eventually used part of it to build its judicial complex and health commons. A county administration building, regional transportation center and senior retirement complex are scheduled to be added to the area that will remain under county control.

Because the county administration building must be in the county seat of Bernalillo, a joint powers agreement between the three governmental agencies (Sandoval County, the city of Rio Rancho and town of Bernalillo) had to be negotiated. As part of the master plan, some commercial development was included, with Rio Rancho getting 40 percent of the gross receipts taxes generated and Bernalillo and the county 30 percent each.

To accomplish that and build a network of connecting roads to relieve some pressure from the new Enchanted Hills South subdivision, some property trades with private landowner Julian Garza and other rezoning was required. Residents in the area, many who have paid more than $500,000 for their homes, objected to possible apartment complex, citing higher crime rates and traffic problems.

Garza and Sandoval County commissioners Jack Thomas and Don Leonard also spoke at the request of Mayor Mike Williams and Naranjo. Salzman, Williams and Thomas exchanged sharp words when Salzman said she had not been notified about the project, even though it was in District 6.

“Commissioner Thomas, did you talk to any of the councilors that you see here tonight or (have seen) in the past that made up this joint powers agreement?”

“I can answer that for you, Councilor Salzman,” Williams interjected. “It was myself as councilor for District 1 and also Councilor (Howard) Balmer for District 4.”

That response drew an angry rumbling from the crowd before Williams said, “Let me finish, Councilor Salzman. The year was 2002 (two years before Salzman was elected). That’s when the agreement was reached.”

“I don’t want to have a conversation with you on this,” Salzman said to Williams. “I want to have a conversation with the people who have the answers. I asked my question …”

“And you got your answer,” Williams said.

“And I have never been briefed by anybody that sat on this commission, okay? If you spoke to me,” Salzman said, then turned toward the county commissioners about this, then you tell this room filled with people that you had a conversation with men he four years that I’ve sat in this seat.”

After a brief pause, Salzman said, “I guess you can’t.”

“I never talked to you about this,” Thomas called out from the audience.

“That is correct,” Salzman said.

“How many things have you put in Rio Rancho that you talked to me about?” Thomas asked. “Have you ever called me about …”

At that point several voices in the audience began to interrupt and Thomas and Salzman began yelling over top of each other, only to be gaveled down by Williams.

“Excuse me, there is a point of order,” Salzman said.

“There is a point of order,” Williams said. “There will be no personal attacks, period.”

“I’m not … I just asked a question,” Salzman said, before moving on to another part of the issue.

The last time SAD-7 was on the agenda on Jan. 9, more than 1,200 people jammed City Hall. This time less than 50 people were unable to get inside council chambers initially, and were able to do so when those who came to the meeting to discuss the earlier issues left.

The overflow room used previously is now being used for early voting, so those who couldn’t get a seat in the council chambers were required to stand or sit on the floor while other issues were being discussed. Several went home due to the late hour before SAD-7 was discussed.

City police officers began turning the public away from the council chambers at about 4:30 p.m., a half-hour before the meeting was scheduled to start. Additional security was again on the scene, with at least six uniformed officers joining chief Robert Boone in and around the chambers.

Normally two officers attend council meetings, one at each entrance/exit, and Boone is generally present to represent his department for presentation of awards and to speak when items about his public safety are on the agenda.