Edgewood To Acquire Town House Land?
By Bob Steiner
As previously reported on our blog (please see “Town House Community Not Approved”, Dec 23rd, post 336),  the Edgewood planning and zoning commission turned down a request by local developer, Tim Oden, to re-zone the Northwest Corner of the intersection at State Road 344 and Venus to allow the construction of a town house community. This request was turned down due to the extensive opposition of many residents residing in close proximity to that location. After the measure was voted down, town staff (Ms. Mahalick) assured the residents present that the town was not aware of any “other” plans for that location.
I recently was passed some pertinent information regarding the town house “ site” from an “anonymous” source. Normally I would give no credence to such input and simply regard it as a rumor, but this source has proven to be accurate on other occasions. so I decided to try and corroborate the information. In so doing, I was surprised to find out that while what I had heard was “speculative”, it could well be accurate.  If true, the people near the site need to be aware of what is happening.
Since that December meeting some things have happened which cause this writer to question the assurance of the town staff. Specifically, according to residents of the area,  Mayor Stearley, Ms. Mahalick, and the developer(?) were observed at the Venus location last week where they spent”considerable” time. When a citizen asked him if the town was contemplating doing something with the land, the Mayor stated that he “could not comment” (Note: if no action was being considered, he could have simply answered “no”. If some action is being  considered, under NMSA 1978,10-15-(H)(8), his response was appropriate. Thus we have an “indicator” that some activity is going on!) Further, while the location is not identified, item 20 of the town council agenda for Jan 21 shows a “closed session” of the council to discuss “property acquisition”.
Another factor that disturbs me is that the Governor has announced that he will curtail virtually all capital expenditures involving construction for public works and other related areas due to the current budget crisis. This could cancel the public works facility in Section 16, which our road crews so badly need. Because of its easy access to main roads, “Venus” would be an excellent location, as far as our road crew is concerned. This was the town’s top priority on its budget request to Santa Fe. I just wonder if the Mayor is looking at the Venus location as a “temporary” public works solution? After all, he did find a “temporary’ solution for the library. While this article may be highly speculative, when viewed collectively, the points brought out do make this writer wonder just what (if anything) is going on . In any event, I do hope the residents have a chance to provide input on any proposed projects in that area! Anyone having any additional information on this topic is encouraged to contact me through a “comment” on this article (see below).
My lot backs up to that property. We purchased the house a year ago because of the location out in the country and the view. Our subdivision has CC&R’s not allowing anything other than single family homes. This developer bought land that was zoned R-1 and now wants to change the zoning. I will oppose this with whatever it takes. If he wants to build homes, fine. Otherwise he can sell it to someone who will build houses on it or leave it as a field. I’m out of town this week but my wife will be at the meeting.
At the December 22, 2008 meeting of the Edgewood Planning and Zoning Commission, a request tfor a zone designation change to allow the development of a town house community within current town boundaries was denied.
This past week, Mayor Stearley and Ms. Mahalick, who is responsible for representing me and the interests of the citizens of Edgewood ,were together with the developer, Tim Oden, were seen together on the property. The zoning issue, originally scheduled to be discussed at the regular January 6th Town Council meeting, was removed from the agenda. According to Ms. Mahalick, who I spoke with directly, the zoning request had been “withdrawn”. I followed up with the developer to verify the information she gave to me and he said, conversely, that the request had not been withdrawn but rather “tabled” to provide him the opportunity to talk with residents of the neighborhood. It is my understanding that only one neighbor has was contacted . I was not one of the lucky ones.
Residents of the neighborhood will be present at the Wednesday, January 21 Town Council meeting. I understand that Town Council members plan to meet in a closed session to discuss developer Tim Oden’s request to change the property adjacent to my property on Venus & 344 from “R1 residential†to “multi-useâ€. (This would permit the construction of eight clusters of four town houses each–24 units on eight acres–on the Northwest corner of the intersection of State Road 344 and Venus.)
Like many who live in the east mountain area I bought a home in Edgewood to avoid dense urban living. I invest both my time and the cost of commuting to Albuquerque to live in the rural community I love.
I opposed the zone change for the following reasons:
1. The zone change does not align with Edgewood’s community’s goals. The master plan should not be altered unless there is citizen input and involvement. Additional town hall meetings must take place if the Town Council chooses not to accept the Zoning Commission’s recommendation.
2. A change in the zoning designation could set a precedent and open up the town to apartment-type dwellings. If Edgewood wishes to approve apartment-type dwellings discussion of the master plan and how it will affect the community needs further consideration.
3. The concept of town houses priced in the $180,000 to $220,000 range in Edgewood is unrealistic given the country’s current economic climate.
4. 24 units on eight acres will augment the already heavy traffic in the area created by the school and the medical clinic. Further, the intersection of Venus and 344 is very dangerous. According to Ms. Mahalick, a formal study by the DOT has not been conducted to determine current road usage.
5. The zone change is not consistent with the rural character of the community. The “cluster†would not only significantly alter the “open views†residents currently enjoy but it would dramatically disrupt the existing low noise level and increase activity in the neighborhood.
6. Townhouses will impact property values. My home sits on 1.3 acres. The development proposes to place the maximum number of units on minimum amount of land (eight acres). Property values have been negatively impacted by the recession and property values have decreased in Edgewood.
7. According to neighbors who are in law enforcement, multifamily housing will increase the town’s crime rate. Is Edgewood prepared to handle this burden?
8. The proposed development relies on a successfully organized homeowner’s association. If the association fails, the town of Edgewood would have fiscal responsibility for maintaining the development’s water treatment system.
9. It is unclear if street lights for the 24 units would be in compliance with the Night Sky Ordinance. Serrania Drive is without street lights which helps maintain the rural setting of our community.
10. My father always tells me “if something doesn’t make sense look for a money motive.” How is Mayor Stearley and Ms. Mahalick looking out us, the citizens of Edgewood. Besides a letter, their only legal requirement for the zone change request, there has been no communication that they recognize our collective concerns.
Edgewood’s values include: individual private property rights and the spirit of independence; development that is respectful of community desires, values, and character; providing residents with the opportunity for recreation, personal enrichment, and relaxation within their community; economic development promotes local and home grown businesses.
The proposed development jeopardizes the values we hold near and dear to our heart and it is my hope that the Town Council will list to the voices the citizens of Edgewood.
Maureen Simmons
I really want to thank everyone who contributed to this article. As I had stated, I felt the initial info I had been given was “speculative” and was concerned about its veracity. Now after receiving your additional input, I do feel vindicated in proceeding with writing the piece.
I have a good friend, whose wisdom I respect,who feels I did not address the official reason for the Commission’s turning down (or “tabling”) the original re-zoning request. This, of course, was because of population density considerations. I must state that it was not my intent. to do so. I felt the most important aspect of the article, and the point I wanted to stress, was that residents came out and expressed themselves at a public meeting, in other words the direct involvement of the citizens. I do believe their action went a long way to help convince the commission in its decision. I really must applaud the neighborhood association of the Venus/344 area for their active participation in this matter, as well as their help in the current article.