The Albuquerque City Council has backed the Mesa Film Studio project, dismissing a recommendation by Land Use Hearing Officer Stephen Chavez to reverse the approval of its site plan. The controversial decision took place during a City Council meeting on March 17, where Chavez's suggestion, submitted on March 2, was considered. He had recommended reversing the Environmental Planning Commission's decision of December 19 to approve the studio plan.
Ultimately, the council voted in favor of rejecting Chavez's recommendation by an 8-1 margin, with Councilor Joaquín Baca casting the lone dissenting vote. This decision moves the project forward, with a full council hearing on the Mesa Film Studio site plan scheduled for April 7.
The studio, located near Double Eagle II Airport, will span 60 acres and include extensive facilities, such as six sound stages, two flex buildings, a mill building, a permanent three-wall blue/green screen, and office space, enabling various film production activities.
City officials have previously approved $6.75 million in Local Economic Development Act funds to support the studio's construction and have granted the lease of the land to the project. The chamber has advocated for the studio, contributing to public discussions during the Environmental Planning Commission's session on December 19 and through an op-ed in the Albuquerque Journal on December 2.
The project is anticipated to bring several economic benefits, including the creation of approximately 320 construction jobs, 25 full-time positions with annual salaries and benefits totaling $1.4 million, and potentially hundreds more through future film projects based in Albuquerque.
For those interested, more details can be found by reading the full op-ed.
