Planning & Zoning - Regular Meeting

e meeting. So just sit tight, all right? We have to wait just a sec. We got to have a way to record the meeting. So we're just going to hold on just for the jump drive. I guess we're we have a for the transcriptionist. All right. Give us one second and then we'll start. Good evening. And

to the December 16th, 2025 Planning and Zoning Commission. I am chair. First on the agenda is the conflict of interest. Does any member of the commission or any member of city staff have any conflict of interest with any item on the agenda? All right. Seeing none. We're going to go on to public participation. We have public participation at this time. I'd like to invite anyone from the public to come and speak on anything that is not on the agenda under new business. So if you if you are here for one of the items on new business, this is not the time to come up and speak. But this is for things that are not on on this new business. If you do have anything, I'll give you two minutes and we'll start on the left. If someone has anything that's not on this agenda. I guess my left. Your right. And I don't I don't have to switch on. So go ahead and just state your state your name and go ahead. My name is Joshua Barela. I'm wanting to know who I could speak with, the city's contractors or whatever about the development there on on Spits Road, the 58 residential being built. I was wanting to see if I could get some kind of a direction on who I may be able to speak with, to see if I can be a part, or find out more about getting a part of that project. I'm not, which is important to speak with staff. After. After meeting with them tomorrow at community development. And that would be through those doors on the

other side, and you can get some more information through staff. What time is that at? What time is that at when's it opening? 8:00 to five. Okay. All day. Yeah. Thank you sir. Thanks. Have a good night. And now on the right side, anybody that has any questions, come on up. Good evening. My name is George Pearson. The city has a very good system set up for the boards and committees for when agendas are posted and email gets sent out. And so citizens can sign up for that and receive the email. However, the Planning and Zoning Commission has moved away from that to the same system that City Council uses, and there is no email as part of that. So maybe for about a year now, I haven't even I haven't been receiving notifications of the meetings because that's what I use as my mechanism. So I wonder as a solution, if maybe just every time you move the agenda to the icon system, that you just post an update to the old system, or the email then can go out. Thank you, thank you. We'll have staff open to that one. Anybody else for public participation okay. Seeing none I'm going to turn this off. For the acceptance of the agenda. This includes the minutes and items on the consent tonight. Those present are the. Okay, so I guess we can move, but we need to have a motion and a second to accept the agenda. With the removal of item 6.3 in its entirety from the agenda. I'll make a motion to accept the agenda, but remove item 6.3.

Mr. chair, I'll second that motion. Okay. Do I need to read this note as well? Before. Before you call it, I just wanted to read the letter that we have here as from the applicant to the reasoning, it says, good afternoon. I ask that the community read at PMS to the point. On the one hand, you have photographs of an object, an obviously mixed use location and letters in support of that perspective in keeping historic neighborhoods vibrant and consistent with the reality that they were developed before zoning restrictions existed. On the other hand, longtime residents expressed fears that a lot of that allowing the same flexibility that exists very normal for a property that's close at industrial uses, will be destroyed, will destroy what both sides want to preserve under the reasonable interpretation of the law. Could it be a spot zoning case law for Cangrelor as promised, I believe that zoning that would allow more flexibility as particularly for professional non retail offices for two for one South and north would be best for the long term interest at the area of the district as exhibited by staff and overlay with continuing to undermine the goal of keeping the area vibrant, consistent with reality that it was designed as a mixed use area and its flexibility. But since I plan to sell, I will respect the concerns of my immediate neighbors particularly. Jim Gregor and. And lesser, and draw the application. The process has been continually flawed, but I will address that

separately. Thank you for your time. Okay. This is our motion to accept the agenda. Commissioner Smith. Yes, Commissioner McCaslin. Yes. Commissioner. Acosta. Yes, Commissioner. Murray. Yes. Commissioner. Kessler. Yes. And chair. Yes. Thank you. Okay. So. No business here. We're on to new business. We need to have a motion to hear the. We have a motion to move items after discussion of public participation. Then roll call. So we need a motion and a second to discuss item 6.1. Mr. chair. I'll second that motion. And now, do you want me to do a motion in a second to hear items 6.1 and 6.2 concurrently? Because the 6.1 is the master plan and 6.2 is the preliminary plat for the same property. So I need to see if I can get a motion and a second to hear those concurrently. I'll make a motion to 6.16.2 concurrently. Mr. Chair. I'll make a second on that. This is on the motion to hear item 6.1 and 6.2 concurrently. Commissioner Smith. Yes, Commissioner McCaslin. Yes, Commissioner. Yes, Commissioner. Murray. Yes. Commissioner. Kizer. Yes, chair.

Yes. Thank you. All right. Turn the time over to staff. Good evening. Commission tonight. My name is John Castillo. For the record, tonight we have Coyote Crossing subdivision master plan and preliminary plat. The current conditions as the properties are located south of Hanson Avenue and west of Spitz Avenue. It currently encompasses approximately 10.954 acres. It's undeveloped, vacant property. The current zoning on the property is R-1a, which is our single family medium density zoning district. It also falls within the suburban neighborhood place type and is also predominantly surrounded by single family residential development. So it's not out of nature. As we can see here on the zoning map, the subject property is include all of these that are highlighted. This is what it looks like on our aerial map. It's just a vacant property. So the master plan proposes a residential development on multiple parcels of land that will be built in a single phase, parcel one, which would take approximately 5.87876 acres, is zoned R-1 and it will contain various housing types. Tracks eight through tracks A through C are approximately 2.802 acres, and these will be utilized for drainage, open space and which will be maintained. And will be maintained and owned by the developer. Track D will be dedicated to the City of Las Cruces for Spitz Avenue or Spitz Street. I'm sorry, as we can see here from the master plan, these two right here are the tracks that are going to be for drainage and open space. There's a small tract right here that will be for landscaping and a community

sign. And then this part right here is the track that's going to be dedicated to the city for future expansion of Spitz. The preliminary plat proposes, once again a residential development. It's going to be developed with 58 residential lots of various sizes, and it will have both attached and detached housing. Once again, tracks A through track C, they're going to be approximately 2.86 acres, used for drainage, open space and landscaping, and track D will be utilized for the expansion of Spitz Street. Here's an image of the preliminary plat. Notice was sent to all relevant agencies and departments. All supported the proposed master plan and preliminary plat notice was also sent to all surrounding properties within 500ft. Staff has received one at that time the presentation was created, staff received one email and several phone calls. I have provided another email to you guys as well. That came in later on today with opposition and providing the following concerns of traffic safety, well-being for the neighborhood, and then the density of the subdivision itself. Staff recommends approval based on the following goals, actions and policies outlined in Elevate Las Cruces comprehensive plan. The proposed subdivision will allow for the development of alternative housing types, and the proposed Master Plan and preliminary plat comply with the requirements and standards of the City of Las Cruces subdivision code. On November 19th, the Development Review Committee, or DRC, who reviews subdivisions from an infrastructure, utilities and improvement standpoint, provided a recommendation of approval with conditions for both the master plan and preliminary plat, those conditions being that if the master plan is not approved by December 31st, the developer

must dedicate parkland or pay a fee in lieu, as well as the developer must install the primary gas line. As lots develop, the builder may choose whether or not to connect the gas service to each residence. So your options today are to vote yes to approve, vote no to deny, vote to amend or vote to table. The applicant. Have a presentation that they would like to give tonight. It's not necessary. It's just if you would like to or not, you don't have to. Hi, my name is David Salas. Do I have to swear him in on this? Okay, okay. Do you swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to hear the truth and nothing but the truth under penalty of law? I do thank you again. My name is David Salas. Just a few few notes on this, on this subject. This subdivision has been in development for several years. Initially it was developed as a single. Single family residence. It is a single family residence subdivision. But it was it wasn't there wasn't multi there wasn't multi townhouse like townhouse, single family lots. There are there are single family homes in there. It's kind of there's a few few of them. Anyways, the point being what I wanted to say is that it has been in development for quite a long time. We have taken into consideration. Some of the the issues the city has, has brought forth, especially with the with the traffic situation. There are the acceleration lanes in there. As we all know, Spitz is a collector within that street, and it also is probably not more than a quarter mile, maybe a little bit, maybe a little

bit further than a quarter mile, probably less than a quarter mile from three crosses, which from a standpoint of traffic, I don't really think that's going to be an issue since it's so close to exiting that that subdivision to begin with. What were the other concerns, I think. Safety is in reference to safety. I. I think personally, I think that it's going to be an addition to the benefit to the neighborhood we're bringing affordable housing into, into the area. Also, there have been a lot of homeless encampments there. Those will all be there won't be allowed there anymore. So that area will be developed and I think it'll enhance the neighborhood from that standpoint. So I don't know. Okay. Nothing else. Thank you. All right. All right. We're going to go on to some discussion. Is there any other council. Sorry I was Council it's commission I don't know why. You know one of the in opposition I didn't think about traffic and just walkability as far as involving those. There was some concerns about lack of sidewalks once this area, once this, this area is developed. And also there was a question concerning a traffic study. And I'm just curious myself, you know, a traffic study conducted, Mr. chair, Commissioner Smith, at the time of the master plan that was developed, there was

what we call an ITE trip generation done at time of construction. There will most likely be another type of traffic study done as well as the applicant has stated as well. We are going to provide, they will provide deceleration lanes and other types of mitigation to help move traffic along on spits. As far as the road construction goes, because of the classification of Spits Street being a collector, they are only going to be constructing the west half, which would be on their side of the property, only the eastern half for the park and other development is is already built out. So if there were to be sidewalks put on that, it would have to be a city initiated project. Thank you. Mr. Chair. Yes. Go ahead staff, I do have a question. If we approve this tonight, is that with the conditions that the DRC has recommended or put those condition on, is that what we're approving? Mister chair? Commissioner Acosta yes, that is correct. Go ahead. Just a couple questions. On those. So. The applicant is going to be a foundations for the dissemination rooms on specialty. Mister chair. Commissioner Kizer, the applicant will be required to do some form of mitigation, whether that is in the form of deceleration lanes that will be determined once construction drawings come in. Okay. The applicant do to address actual traffic safety concerns because I have. That. Faculty complication or is it just

purely. Deceleration. Green traffic concern downspouts. Mr. chair. Commissioner Kizer I can't exactly speak to that at this time because I'm not quite sure as to what our traffic engineers look for as far as mitigating any type of traffic to make it either move faster through sports or slow it down. Well, I would encourage the city to seriously consider the safety of those. For this development for at least a year. For one of those, one of those factors that are other things out there directly across the street from the park and experience. Granted, there's one individual in all the times that I've been involved in which I estimate is probably seven times a month when I'm out on a road, probably count on one hand the number of drivers that staff presence every single time a gentleman. For them to slow down. And I never saw anyone stepping up. So the city to seriously look at the safety issues. Not only because of faster or more efficiently, but for the serious safety of the residents accessing apartments ancestry for them, I guess, but in my opinion is completely appropriate. We know. That spoke out about this for some purposes as well. And so that would be my suggestion to to staff as to seriously take those safety concerns seriously.

That's all. I have a clarification question just regarding the gas line. So in the DRC meetings, it sort of read like there would not be gas because there's no gas going to the homes. But then in the presentation it says there is going to be a gas line. Is that going to be put in, Mr. chair, Commissioner McCaslin. Yes, there will be this. The main utility gas line placed in that lies underneath the right of way, but the individual lots will have their choice of to provide that utility. Thank you. Can can you pull up the master plan image there? Do we have a little authorship of this area that we can stand? Because one of the one of the things about is the walkability. You should have a decent walk score in in this area for the new resident, because it is close to our shopping and have a grocery store and other things like that. So those are great works. But you have the park right in front of. But the my concern in question was the connectivity of a walk in a natural path. I know there's something in the city code that goes to. Know as a developer, but the other adjoining. Property owners, if there's not a sidewalk in front of theirs, there's some type of a mechanism that you can get them to put the sidewalk in front of them if there is a larger burden on it. Over time, you can have them in improve that area. I'm just is, I guess my question is, is that is

there a sidewalk from the current property all the way to the intersection? Mr. chair, there is a sidewalk that is within the front of these properties, and then it turns into a type of what looked like on the Google Street View, which I don't have here, but it did look like a type of a. Multi-Use path that may not have been an actual paved path, but more of just rock that was in front of the property. So. So does the city have any type of mechanism? I think there are some mechanisms that we can at least get the pavement on the sidewalk from the new development, at least to the edge of it. Looks like that must be like in another apartment complex or something right there. The business at the very bottom. What mechanism do you have to to make that more walkable? Because it should have a good rock score, Mr. Chair. Unfortunately, the only way that we could get new sidewalk to be added to an existing lot is when new development happens on those lots. Just like when a new home gets built, sidewalks get installed. When that home gets built as well. The city of does have a number of what we call our sidewalk gap map in the city. And this unfortunately just one of them where we have that gap. That being said though, we do have our capital improvement program where the City Council at the time will take a look at that and see if there's viable abilities for the city to go out there and actually actually fill in that gap, if you will, and provide for that connectivity from the new subdivision down to that intersection as you were stating. That being said, though, remember our traffic impact analysis take into account not just cars. They take into account pedestrian. They take into account walkability, bicycles, all

modes of transportation. So our traffic impact analysis will be reviewed from from all those standpoints as well. And if they deem appropriate for something to happen, that'd be something the the applicant would be required to do at the time of final planning construction drawings before they can get approved, of course. Okay. I'm just thought. On that road I was required to do with the west side. The east side had already been developed, but there were some kicker in there that had those people, the owners of that place, put there, some watching. So there is something in there that and they didn't they didn't, they didn't subdivide there something in there. Just have a look at that. And we can at least try to find a way to have a pathway where that is, that is in front of it. Because the increased traffic and the higher it's not necessarily that road, you're going to have ten homes in there and be able to have that ability. It would be nice that it's not just throwing the developer, but there's also a method to to get a sidewalk from there. Yeah. Mr. chair agreed. The McGuffey situation was basically not only the developer at the time and the city, but also those property owners kind of came together and came to an agreement because road improvements were required on McGuffey. That essentially didn't happen when development came in. So because of that, we actually got together. That agreement was was placed between yourself, the other, the other property owner and the city as to what we would accept. And that's what was essentially done, and that's how that agreement came into play, sir. Okay. I was wondering if that was ever this area again for, for many years. And so this piece of property here in the corner was awarded

a few easements that go through it, which makes it a little bit hard to develop that triangle piece. And so that might be a couple more years. So if there's a way to put that on I don't know, I just yeah, yeah. If there's a way to make sure that those application, we can actually put it on so we can start to have some. But yeah, not with this application, but with whatever mechanisms we have with the city. If this is a good place to start, using those funds would just increase its we got the. Extra tax dollars or even as you guys know, the programs, I would like to think it to see if we could focus on that. Also the connectivity for pedestrians would be very good. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We could definitely reach out to our Public Works Department to put that on their, on their, on their, on their list for for CIP. Sir, I have one other thing that I just kind of thought was interesting. This is kind of a continuing this will be the last one that we'll see because the new rules that came in. But it's interesting to see that all of the park impact fees have became a source of topic on every DRC that we have seen, and it keeps them as long as you get it in before December 31st. You won't have to pay parking fees or in fees or other things like that. When we passed the councils, this board here went and passed it. But saying that we should be attention to those fees. And to realize and then city Council got it and just passed it on to you. And now we're finally seeing the ramifications of it, that these park fees are actually something that is deterring people to want to do certain developments and bring

it to do it quicker, to be able to get away from some of those fees. I just think it's going to become a in the future that we do today. It's all voted on by us to do that, but that has been used a note on every person's application that even in the city application came in, that was one of the where that was paid to a nonprofit. So Perkins will be affecting the future development. That's just not to this point right now. So I'm indicating that if you have any more questions. Just wanted to confirm that. Is there will the city require a study to decide whether or not to require the applicant, the developer, to in a sidewalk and sidewalk crosswalk from sports from the new intersection that they'd be constructing there on? Was it pronouncing that correctly to the park, Mister chair? Commissioner Keizer yes, that will be part of the construction plans and any further trip analysis. Analysis so applicants can be required to install a commercial. That is correct. What about traffic calming to ensure that cars actually slow down when people enter the crosswalk? Mister. Mister chair. Commissioner Keizer, that traffic, that traffic impact analysis will take take that into account. For instance, just Chick-Fil-A went on university. They were required to pay for that Hawk system that went in there. Other developments that went in when McDonald's did their big restoration of the building, they're required to add that Hawk system. So again, traffic impact analysis is an all encompassing study that takes not only into account the

traffic, but also pedestrian traffic. So that will that will probably be part of the actual impact analysis there. With that park being there. Yeah, I guess it's perplexing to me that we need to conduct a study to come to a conclusion that people are going to cross the road to access a park that's on the other side of spits. It seems like that should be fairly obvious, and I'm concerned that that traffic study is going to make this something bigger than it really is, and we're going to come out with, instead of proposing to the park that we need to install, you know, several because we need to prioritize the traffic instead of children safety, access to the park across the street from their house. So, yeah, Mister chair, Commissioner Keizer definitely agree. University was the only example that came to to mind. Although we got to remember at that time, universities grade for traffic was extremely bad, which is why a full hawk system was required. But that being said, since there is an actual park facility across the street, sir, that will have to be taken into account by our Traffic and traffic engineering section, staff will make sure that we make them aware of it as well. Sir, considering this is a collector roadway as well. So that is it is a designated thoroughfare, sir. And then I'm looking at public participation. How about taking a plan that. Yeah. Okay. Sorry. I was trying to see if. Spitz has going to have an amazing. Entrance and

exit point for the amount of small bowel is just going to be the only. Interest points. Whatever that, Mister chair. Commissioner Smith, there's going to be two points of egress, both entry and exit. Primarily, yes. The main one will be in alignment with dine right here off of spits. The second one will be spits in Hanson. That will Hanson will get improved up until the entrance here. I apologize, I can't read that one. What street that is either. But those two will be the two points of access. Yeah. So? Those points. I think. To public participation are the the public participation works is it's not really a, a lot of attention will come up and answer the question right away. One of the witnesses you will give up an hour after questions. We'll give you the will give you the two minutes to basically answer your questions. We'll compile your question basically together and have staff and the applicant go ahead and do that. So we'll start here on the your right my left on this side. For those who would like to come in. And we're going to have you state your name and where you live. So go ahead and come on up. Welcome. Go ahead and state your name. My name is Adeline

McIntosh I. Do you swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give is the truth of the matter? Under penalty of law? I do, and go ahead. Good evening, city counselor. And the Planning and Zoning Commission. My name is Adeline McIntosh and I am in the sixth grade in our home school, Legacy Oaks Preparatory Academy. I'm here this evening to express my concerns for the proposed subdivision development project in our neighborhood that, you know, as the Coyote Run. I have lived in this neighborhood all my life, which is 11 years, and I'm greatly concerned about my safety and my friends safety. And of course, everyone in our neighborhood. My concern, my two concerns are all about the traffic and our parks. I'm worried about the traffic because there's a park right across the street from the proposed development, and I'm worried that the traffic will get so bad that it won't be safe for kids like me and my brother, who can ride our bikes safely to and from the park. My second reason of concern is how can we keep 58 lots maintain if we can't even add a slide for our park, which has been without a slide for a year now? With all due respect, I do not believe this project is safe to proceed, but if it does, I suggest the following to have more signage like yield for children and reduced speed limits, and even maybe a couple speed bumps. Thank you very much for your time and hearing my concerns. Thank you. All right. Let me reset this. I go ahead. Go ahead and state your name. Braden McIntosh. Alright. Do you swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give is the truth and nothing but the truth of that? I do. Go ahead. Good evening. And city counselor and planning and zoning commission. My name is Braden McIntosh and I'm an

eighth grade homeschool student. My family lives near the the Coyote Crossing development, and I would like to share some of my concerns for the from the perspective of a kid who lives here, understand that growth is important for a community, but I am worried about how this development could affect safety, especially for kids like me. Me and my friends often bike to the park to play sports and just get some of our energy out. It's something we enjoy and our parents feel comfortable letting us go because our neighborhood is relatively safe. However, the road we use is already narrow, with only one lane in each direction, and cars and cars often drive way too fast. Even now, biking there can feel dangerous. If this development moves forward, there will be more families, more cars, and more traffic. That makes me wonder how kids will be protected when biking or walking to the park will increase traffic. It seems likely that to the rest of kids will increase as well. Another concern is the park itself. Our park has not been well maintained. For example, we have not had slides for over a year. If the city is already struggling to maintain the park, it is hard to understand how it will safely handle more people and more traffic around it. I know there may be possible solutions to some of these problems, but from my perspective, these problems raise serious safety concerns for kids and families who already live here. For these reasons, I respectfully oppose the Coyote crossing development as it is currently proposed. I believe it would increase traffic and pose serious safety risks for kids and families who already live there. Thank you

for taking the time to listen to my concerns, and for considering the impact this decision will have on the children in our community. Thank you. Okay. All right. Please state your name. Good evening, City Councilor and members of the Planning and Zoning Commission. My name is Jaylene McIntosh. Okay. Yes. Do you swear or affirm that the testimony about the dangers of closing the. Yes, sir. Okay, thanks. I've been a resident of Las Cruces for nearly 20 years, and I've called the Las Cruces Country Club Estates home for over a decade. I live roughly half a mile from the proposed Coyote Crossing development. You've just heard from my children, who shared thoughtful concerns about safety, park maintenance and possible solutions. I do appreciate their constructive, solutions oriented approach. However, I want to be clear that the position of our family and that of many of our neighbors, is that this development should not proceed as proposed. These are my top concerns I would like to bring to your attention traffic flow and safety, the impact on our neighborhood park and the need for thorough review before irreversible decisions are made for our neighborhood. First. Traffic flow and safety are already a challenge in our neighborhood, which has limited access points. During the recent road construction on North Main and Highway 70 between Main and Elks and between Main and Three Crosses Solano intersection, we experienced significant overflow traffic on neighborhood streets such as Spitz, Lennox and Camino Real. That congestion was temporary, yet it clearly demonstrated how sensitive this area is to changes in traffic patterns. In addition, the city bike path at the Spitz and the Camino Real intersection is already

dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians. Adding 58 or more residential units would permanently increase traffic in an area that is already strained. Second, increased congestion would directly impact our neighborhood park and the families who rely on it. The park is where children walk, bike and play, and where families and neighbors gather. It provides a small hometown feel that matters deeply to its residents. The city is already struggling to maintain the park's infrastructure, placing a large scale residential development directly across from the park would further reduce safety and accessibility for the families who currently use it. I just have a couple of more statements. If I can use my kids time, that would be great. If you all would allow that, I would appreciate it to close. Thank you. Thank you. How do I change this thing? Finally, before any irreversible decisions are made due to this project, the proposal must undergo thorough study and transparent review. While we do recognize that growth is necessary, responsible growth should preserve the safety and the livability of the existing neighborhoods, not undermine them. Ultimately, we're asking you to carefully consider whether Coyote Crossing, as currently proposed, truly serves the long term interests of the families and the children who already live in the area. Growth should strengthen communities, not strain them or place their safety at risk. We respectfully ask that the the Planning and Zoning Commission that you all deny approval to this project due to the lack of safety studies, as none were addressed or presented this evening. Therefore, as presented, it would compromise our neighbor neighborhood safety, not enhance it. Thank you so much for your time and for your consideration. Thank you for

the extra time. Thank you. Go ahead and state your name. Alan Caro. Do you swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to the truth and nothing but the truth under penalty of all? Yes, I do. Go ahead. If you'd be so kind as to put up the master plan again, is it was hard to. There it is. I was trying to get a clear copy, a photograph of it, and I had a question specifically about the the planned. Oh, sorry, planned extension of Di dine. I'm concerned that the slope coming up from the floodplain up onto dine is going to be excessive. That's the you guys can't see it, but it's the that is quite a steep slope at that point. And I would hope to hear from the Planning Commission if there are standards for in Las Cruces for road. Grading and specifically for maximum accessible road slope, that's a concern for mine. I'd also like to follow along on Scott Kaiser's comments. I live just north of this within a quarter mile, and see the exactly the same thing that this is. A Spitz is a unusually high traffic street with rarely observed speed limits, and I'm concerned about an increase in the number of of persons coming in and out. I think that the that Hansen in its current state based on where the the road runs with regard to the

the floodplain is would be acceptable without excessive slope coming up to the point of coming on to Spitz. So I appreciate your your consideration with reviewing the that slope and the slope requirements. Thank you, thank you. Anybody else on. Go ahead. I guess I should say you're right. Go ahead and come on up. Please state your name. Julianne Bauer. Do you swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give is the truth and nothing but the truth? I. Yeah. Go ahead. Good evening. City council and commission. I live directly on Lennox, off of Spitz. I'm three houses down from the park, and I have my husband and I have lived there for 21 years. And we have seen the increase on the traffic on Linux, on Spitz, the four way stop behind Albertsons. Now, the stop light on three crosses has been put to try and help the traffic flow, and it really hasn't with the amount of the community that's there now, having 58 more homes, if there's two drivers at each home, you're making a situation a lot worse than it already is. Again, I echo what everyone else has said about the traffic, the safety. No one does the speed limit on Spitz. It's 25 miles an hour. You go down there, you have someone on your butt, and if you make a left turn or right turn, you're lucky you're not rear ended. While you're looking out for kids playing at the park, having this other subdivision that's built, I just think is needs to be reconsidered. Tone down the amount of homes. I personally will miss the view

of Picacho, from from Spitz, from my backyard. I know this has been in the works for quite a while, but it seems like something else could be done with the property instead of townhomes. I don't see the the the call for that since we have, what, eight building apartment complex that was just built on Spitz or on three crosses? I appreciate what Commissioner Kaiser said. It's a it's a crapshoot when you're on that street. We walk our dog every day. We see people just hauling, but there's a speed bump that's on the other side of towards Hansen that tries to deter people. It doesn't. People that live off of. Oh, I just forgot the street anyway. It's obscured view when you're on that street. Thank you, thank you. Any west side? Got one more, one more coming on up. Go ahead. State your name. My name is Joshua Barela. And affirm that the testimony of the truth and nothing but the truth and the. Well go ahead. I support what was stated about signs for watch children with the Park with the developments going to happen. Also, any other signs for neighborhood watch? Maybe also just additions for for the kids, you know, mainly because more residentials there's going to be more children, there's going to be more traffic. And that's the most important because it is our next

generations that these developments are going to be. Affecting. But it's better for us to be effective instead of allowing for what we approve or disapprove or support or not support that affect. And people are affected. You know, it's better to be effective as a community, you know, positive influences. If I can say that to to everybody in the community, you know, everybody's a member of their community. But it's about being a positive influence, you know, here in our community. So stay active, you know, stay active in our communities. Thank you. All right. We're going to go to the this side your left my right. Go ahead. You. Please state your name. My name is Carol Swigert. Do you swear or affirm that the testimony you want to give is the truth? The truth under penalty of law? I do thank you. Go ahead. Like several others, I'm also very concerned about the increase of traffic on Spirit Street with this subdivision coming about. So I have a question. Can a another access point be made on the west side of that subdivision on Camino del Rey to help alleviate perhaps some of the traffic on spits? If I lived in that subdivision, I would want to access points, spits, and then also another street. My second question is if this subdivision comes about,

then is it possible to widen Spit Street and create a center lane where those residents can go to that center lane, turn left while the other traffic continue? Thank you. All right. Anybody else on this side? Okay. All right. We're going to now close. Oh, there you go. Come on up. I planning and zoning. My name is Leah Salas. And Leah, do you swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give is the truth? Thank you. Thanks for having me. I just wanted to to state my husband had started this. He was a dreamer. Ralph Salas, born and raised right up the street on Dona Ana Road. He always has been a dreamer and we had a family. Safety is always paramount in our family, but he also was a dreamer and wanted to build beautiful things. This is part of carrying on his legacy, but in a safe way. Running the traffic studies make sure that it creates and adds to the community as a whole. There is the walking trail on Camino Real that could pool together with the park, and I like those ideas. You had to connect the sidewalks as well, but what we would like to do is there has been a lot of apartments that have come about. The big idea around here now is affordable housing. Part of what his dream was was to help the smaller builders. We're getting big companies come in, but that have their own families and to

provide work. But also we change the the format to have townhomes to to maybe where instead of selling out to maybe some of the big companies to buy all the lots, we could help the smaller builders, the smaller builders from here that could have their own, buy a townhome, build one and and have another one that they could live in. And to help create community with the people from here as well, not just people coming in. And safety has always been paramount. And we would just we would do a really good job. Safety and family is what we're all about. And I'm asking to approve this. Another thing that we wanted to do, which I'll throw in, but I wanted to donate a lot, a lot build Ralphie's house in his memory and donate to one of the charities in Cruces, maybe the Boys Club. I don't know what, but to help with his legacy in building Las Cruces for many, many years. And I'd really appreciate your hope and your vote. And I can promise that it'll be a beautiful subdivision. He always enjoyed building beautiful things, and I can assure you, we'll look at the make sure that safety is of paramount, but also to help add community to people from here that are looking for affordable housing. Thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you. Thanks. All right. Any more public comment that was that has not already gone. Okay I got it. I don't know how we're going to close public comment and. I have. A lot of. Discussion. I have a I don't know I wanted to say something about the traffic. I don't know what to do about development in this town. I may have never been able to do

anything that is not for the safety of the citizens, the staff. Will not allow me to avoid something that's not safe. Yes, it does always increase traffic. We always increase development. We always increase traffic. However, I'm not allowed to do anything that is not safe. And so as it goes through, there's really nothing, anything that the city staff and I haven't been. The one they worry about. What we're doing is not safe. So as far as the traffic goes, there are different means. Of doing traffic calming devices or there's other means by which they can make the traffic increased traffic safe, that would be produced in a tree. So this is just a preliminary report. This is an annual plant. So I just want to reassure the. I want to do a vertical line on safe neighborhood. Whoever. People want to have different opinions of how that is actually safe and its wider and that it's safe. And we have some that say no, there's actually no safe to keep the speed down. So there is a difference in opinions on which there is safety for that. So I think that will be safe. Another question on the park this there are 58 lots has to pay parking fees. Is that correct, Mr. Chair? Catherine Harrison Rogers for the record, yes, you're correct at the time of individual building permit for for each residential unit, park impact fees will be paid. Is there any way that some of those park impact fees can be

allocated to the park? And if my question was is this in the if this, then that seems like it's not in the park, would you Park gap? Is this only okay for Park Mister chair members of the commission again, Catherine, for the record, this particular park is is is considered a neighborhood park. The development is within quarter mile walk shed of said park. And so it's meeting our target goals for that. And if there is some new level of service, i.e. something that didn't exist in the park before, for example, if we wanted to add a splash pad, we're not at this juncture. But if we were to do something like that because it's a new feature not otherwise provided in that park, we could use park impact fees. However, for something like improvements to existing amenities or placement of that playground, those impact fees cannot be used. We have to find other sources to pay for that. So. So if the developer was able to make a negotiation with parks, there's a possibility of having something like. That features, but possibly adding something different. If there was an avenue in which can be negotiated. Mister chair, members of the Commission, I do want to clarify. We've got sort of two things at hand. Realize those Cruces also has, of course, the requirements for constructing a park or doing an alternative, like a fee in lieu that is separate and distinct from park impact fees. In this particular case, because of when they started the process, which was quite a long time ago, they fell under the old code. And so they're not obligated to do that, especially with the timing right now. If they are approved in advance of that deadline that we discussed at the beginning of the meeting. So we didn't negotiate with them to do any improvements to said Park. But we're certainly

open to those discussions if they would like to, for example, replace a playground that is no longer in a state whereby we can find parts for it. I know that people are concerned about the slide, as was mentioned by a few of the public members of the public. Unfortunately, we can't just replace the slide. We actually have to remove the entire structure and replace the entire structure. And we've been actively seeking funds for that. Okay. So I just want to point that out, that there could be some negotiations there in the neighborhood helping out the current park, using the park, impact fees that have to be paid for that area anyways. So that one additional layer to the developer could just use the existing funds and find some type of means to improve that park impact fees. There's a question that we had on slope for the roads. There are construction standards of which the engineers must agree those guidelines. Suggest the slope will be built in. The subdivision will be built according to the engineering guidelines so that the roads are safe. Another part of the subdivision. You can go in any other parts of the country, other parts of terrible that there's higher densities, that as long as it is safe, as familiar ways. I think the biggest issue is the safety, that there are many ways that you can see, even in this bad, the population that will exceed ours in, you know, they they

find ways to make it safe. So. I think those are the ones I remember. I don't think there's any other questions for, for staff or anyone else. Go ahead. I just wanted to. I think the evidence is pretty clear that they're almost like a straight line space with no way for pedestrians and younger residents who are accessing the park. Drivers drive up with open space because was engineered from a driver's perspective, and to move traffic through there as quickly as possible, so civil engineers encouraging them to do the evidence is pretty overwhelming that that is not. We'll continue to make our streets safer for pedestrians. We have residences that we have a couple of ideas, and they don't need a traffic study to come up with those ideas. So I think those will make sense. You know, reducing the speed and 33,000 and installing speed, particularly the my sexual response rate for the plaque on these results in like the very easy things to do. This development presents an opportunity for things to become a reality. I strongly encourage staff to just a couple of things here. We don't have to tell us how to make us safe. We know what to do. I was referring to say thank you to the residents who came up and spoke this evening. Very well done. Super brave and community managing myself and individually tonight. So thank you for having me. Hope to see you again. I think your meetings, I just want to say thanks to the decision of the darkness, don't get discouraged.

Keep showing up. Thanks. Thank you. I. People came up and your thoughts and concerns, but I very well prepared and also articulated and I applaud you for that. Yeah. Mr. chair, I'd like to just. Because I have a motion. So it says on the vote to approve item 6.1, Commissioner Smith. Yes. Commissioner McCaslin. Yes. Commissioner. Acosta. Yes, Commissioner. Yes, Commissioner. Yes. And chair. Yes. Thank you. I'll make a motion to. Give you a second. Second. This is under motion for items. Commissioner Swanson. Yes, Commissioner. Councilor. Yes, Commissioner. Acosta. Yes, Commissioner. Miller. Yes, Commissioner. Kizer. Yes. And. Chair. Yes. Thank you. And seven. Attention. I don't think we have any other. Special voting for staff discussion. I don't think I have anything. Any discussion is for you all. If you had anything to discuss or bring up the staff at this time. Yeah. Do you guys have any, any other

discussion? Okay. Stop. That's the last meeting of the year, folks. Thank you so much. Starting January 1st, realize okay, now the new Las Cruces development code will be in full effect. So definitely excited to do that. That's been doing their homework and getting that ready to go. So definitely excited to do that. That's all we have all right folks. So now we just need to get on the motion to adjourn I make a motion to adjourn, Mr. Chair. Second, I. Okay.