Las Cruces City Council convened in regular session on Monday, Sept. 16, and addressed several significant matters, including the acceptance of a New Mexico Department of Transportation grant for bicycle and pedestrian trails, reimbursement to a developer for a new park in Metro Verde, and the denial of an appeal related to zoning changes on Roadrunner Parkway.

The meeting was attended by all Councilors in person except District 1 Councilor Cassie McClure, who participated remotely.

The City Council unanimously accepted a $350,000 Active Transportation Improvements Grant from the New Mexico Department of Transportation. Secured during the 2024 Legislative Session, this grant will fund the design and construction of key projects such as a multi-use trail at Valley View Park connecting Espina Street and Esperanza Street. Additionally, it may support pedestrian enhancements at intersections along Ethel Avenue and improve bicycle and pedestrian access on Madrid Avenue between Evelyn Street and Triviz Drive.

Councilors also approved a reimbursement agreement with Sierra Norte Development Inc. to design and construct a neighborhood park in the Metro Verde Arcadia Phase 3 subdivision. The proposed 1.945-acre park is located east of Red Hawk Road and south of Arroyo Road in the Metro Verde neighborhood. Park impact fees from neighboring 592 residential lots are estimated to exceed $1.5 million.

The park will feature typical neighborhood amenities such as grassy areas, picnic shelters, shade structures, play equipment, a half-sport court, a storybook walk, and native plant landscaping. The City agreed to reimburse the developer up to $525,000 for the park's design and construction.

In another matter, the Council voted 4-3 to deny an appeal against a Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation concerning property near Roadrunner Parkway and Morning Star Drive. Earlier this year, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended changing approximately five acres at 2795 N. Roadrunner Parkway from single-family medium density to multi-dwelling low density. This decision allows the developer to request this zoning change at a future council meeting which could lead to constructing a 60-unit apartment complex on that site if approved.

A Work Session previously scheduled for Sept. 23 has been canceled. The next regular session of the City Council is set for Monday, Oct. 7, 2024.

All City Council Meetings and Work Sessions are available for viewing on the City's YouTube channel.