By Connor Currier
Edgewood’s Town Commission will consider a proposed special zoning ordinance that could build more utilities.
On Aug. 26, Edgewood will hold a Town Commission Meeting starting at 6 p.m., which will be subsequently followed up by a quasi-judicial hearing on a zoning proposal.
The water utility company EPCOR has asked for rezoning requests that will be discussed during the quasi-judicial public hearing. Town officials will decide whether the two residential parcels can be reclassified for a special utility use.
The quasi-judicial hearing is scheduled to review EPCOR’s proposal to rezone two properties from their current R-1 single-family residential designation to a Special Use Zone.
The proposed changes would allow EPCOR to redevelop the residential properties into infrastructure that can build utilities such as a pump house or well on pieces of land currently reserved for homes.
Two Properties in Question
Both parcels of land are located within Edgewood’s boundaries in Santa Fe County:
- 22 Hope Ct., Tract A, totaling 0.377 acres (Parcel #99312766)
- Tract B, an unassigned address, totaling 0.617 acres (Parcel #910015936)
EPCOR, which owns both of the properties, is represented in the application process by agent Thomas Torres.
The quasi-judicial hearing will go over the existing zoning Ordinance 2024-017, Section 24, which outlines the criteria for approving a “Special Use Zone” and zoning procedures.
Since both parcels of land are R-1 zones, it means they are currently for single-family residential use only, which prohibits any industrial or heavy commercial use.
The requested special zoning would allow the property owners to use the land for something not usually permitted in that zone, but is considered special to the owner.
Why is it Important
Such zoning requests like this can have a big impact on local communities, such as neighbors and community members weighing in on issues including noise, traffic, water usage and long-term impacts on the surrounding property and their values.
During a quasi-judicial hearing, officials are prohibited from considering outside opinions or private communications about the case. This policy is to ensure decisions are made fairly and free from political or personal influence.
This hearing will also offer the public an opportunity to speak for or against EPCOR’s proposal.
How to Participate
When: Tuesday, Aug. 26, Starting at 6 p.m.
Where: 171A State Road 344 NM, Edgewood, New Mexico 87015More information: Visit Town of Edgewood’s Official Website.
