By Andrea Vasquez
The Town of Edgewood Commission released a last-minute cancellation and rescheduling notice for the Jan. 30 scheduled quasi-public hearing on Campbell Ranch.
The hearing to address an appeal of Edgewoods’ Planning and Zoning Commission’s approval of a minor subdivision was originally scheduled for Jan.30 at 2 p.m. at the Town of Edgewood’s Town Hall. Just hours before the meeting, the Town of Edgewood posted on social media that the meeting has been “canceled and continued” to March 6.
The meeting aims to manage and discuss an appeal against the approval of a minor subdivision requested by Campbell Farming Corp.
This appeal involves the Planning and Zoning Commission’s approval for a preliminary and final plat for dividing the parcel of land.
While the precise reason for the cancellation was not shared in the official notice of cancellation shared via Facebook by clerk/treasurer Michelle Jones, a request by both parties’ attorneys is cited as the rationale behind the last-minute decision.
“Attorneys for the parties requested and by mutual agreement continued the quasi-judicial hearing…The continuance will allow additional time for review and to ensure compliance with the proper notice requirements,” said community liaison Linda Burke.
The East Mountains Protection Action Coalition (EMPAC) stated their discontent with the decision.
In an emailed press release, EMPAC said the town acknowledged that affected parties were not given adequate notice to file appeals and that the Edgewood Town Commissioners recently retained a new attorney.
EMPAC also communicated its familiar concerns surrounding the intended development, citing water availability, infrastructure issues and a lack of transparency.
The document also mentions that Bernalillo County has not approved the development and refuses to provide support services like road maintenance and emergency response services.
Charlene Smith, spokesperson for EMPAC, criticized the decision to cancel and reschedule the hearing but stressed the importance of guaranteeing the opportunity to file appeals by all parties.
“We understand the continuance was asked for because the Town realized it had not adequately given all affected parties an opportunity to file appeals,” said Smith.
“This comes on the heels of recently released news that a former Town commissioner is under law enforcement investigation and a series of concerns about the commission’s transparency, along with a possible conflict of interest with another Town employee in his various planning and zoning positions,” she added.
EMPAC continues to take a clear stance against the development due to its potential environmental risk to the land and the community.
“This is a significant disappointment for us,” Smith expressed. “We and several appellants are thoroughly prepared and ready to present numerous facts—once again—on why the Campbell Ranch should not be approved as a Master Plan lot or any number of lots, for that matter.”
The March 6 meeting will allow appellants, applicants and town staff to present evidence for consideration.
It is important to note that public comments may not be considered due to judicial procedure protocols. Additionally, the cancellation notice is said to comply with the Town’s Open Meeting Act Ordinance.
Additional documentation and information can be obtained online or through the following contact details.
Clerk contact: (505) 286-4518 or email clerk@edgewood-nm.gov or Michelle Jones at mjones@edgewood-nm.gov.