Rio Rancho governing body rejects Orchard Park master plan over holdout lots, park concerns

Rio Rancho’s Governing Body rejected a proposed 278-home subdivision Thursday night after councilors raised concerns that the development skirted ownership requirements and shortchanged future residents on park space.

The Orchard Park Master Plan, proposed by AMREP Southwest on 43 acres north of Northern Meadows near Wilpett Drive NE and Progress Boulevard NE, failed on a 4-2 vote. Mayor Gregg Hull, filling in for excused Councilor Bob Tyler, and Councilor Paul Wymer voted yes.

The plan called for four phases of single-family lots, with the developer claiming 100% ownership of the parcels inside the master plan boundary. But multiple councilors challenged that figure, noting the application excluded interior “holdout lots” — parcels owned by others and surrounded by the development — to reach that threshold.

“I think to claim that this is anywhere close to 100% is kind of preposterous,” Councilor Jeremy Lenentine said. Planning Director Amy Rincon acknowledged the boundary approach represents a loophole in the city’s Development Process Manual. 

Councilors also questioned the development’s park plan. The proposal included 2.2 acres of parkland across four disconnected parcels — just within the 10% deviation allowed under city standards — but with no equipment, minimal design and two parcels too small to meet active recreation requirements.

“I feel like this time you went even further down the rabbit hole of how we can skirt around the requirements,” Councilor Nicole List said.

Applicant representative Sergio Lozoya said AMREP has been actively working to acquire the holdout lots and sends outreach quarterly. “We held up this specific master plan twice coming forward because we have been able to acquire additional lots,” he said.

The Planning and Zoning Board had recommended approval 6-0 at its March 10 meeting.