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The village council brought residents’ voices to the forefront at the Oct. 22 meeting, discussing initiatives that will shape the village’s future — including the comprehensive plan, the Arts and Cultural District and Salce Park’s future.
Chris Allen, chair of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, outlined the committee’s work, which has been ongoing since May 2023. The committee conducted more than 50 interviews, held multiple meetings and distributed a village-wide survey, which led to six core community values and goals: access, sustainability, community, diversity, heritage and creativity.
“One of the most major things we’re going to recommend in our plan is that we change the designation of the commercial area to a mixed-use [area] — residential commercial,†said Allen. “This is to formally recognize that this area of the village, this stretch of Corrales Road, historically and contemporarily, have a coexistence of residential and business enterprises.â€
The committee advocates for balanced and innovative solutions between business owners and residents to address potential conflicts, particularly regarding traffic and parking. It aims to ensure that the needs of both groups are considered in discussions and decisions.
The draft comprehensive plan was presented at the new gym on Oct. 27 and residents are invited to review and give feedback, launching a 30-day public comment period.
In a related matter, councilors unanimously voted to postpone approval of Corrales MainStreet’s Arts and Cultural District Cultural Economic Development Plan until Jan. 28. This decision allows for the completion of the comprehensive plan, addressing concerns from both councilors and residents about proceeding with the project without the finalized draft, which may not be ready until the new year.
“Developing an economic plan must center on the sustainability of local culture and history while first enhancing the quality of life for residents, but must also support local businesses,†Patrick McClernon said during public comment. “The primary goal must be to foster economic growth without sacrificing the unique character in the cultural heritage.â€
The council discussed the future of Salce Park while receiving feedback from Corraleños. Residents, including members of the Salce family who donated the 4 acres of land at the intersection of Sagebrush Drive and Calle Blanca, said they wanted to see it developed into a park.
Following flooding in 2013, half of the park was repurposed for a Federal Emergency Management Agency flood control project that took place in 2018.
According to Councilor Bill Woldman, the park is essential because only 3.9% of the village’s 8,500 residents live within a 10-minute walk of La Entrada Park, Corrales’ only park. He also noted the lack of open spaces for those living west of Loma Larga Road and emphasized that Salce Park, located along the village’s nine-mile biking trail, serves as a natural rest stop for cyclists and pedestrians.
“Salce Park was gifted to the village when the Sagebrush subdivision was developed with the understanding that it would be a public park and would add to the enjoyment of all Corraleños,†Tara Trafton, great-granddaughter of Dulcelina Salce Curtis.
Speaking over Zoom, Lynn Siverts, the Parks and Recreation director for the Village of Corrales, said neighboring residents have expressed concerns about the park, stating they do not want people there due to the lack of police presence in that area. He also said that the project would cost the town approximately $50,000.
Elizabeth Staley, speaking on behalf of 123 villagers who signed a petition opposing the sale of the park, responded to Sivert’s comments about neighborhood objections, saying that when the signatures were collected, residents did not express any opposition to the park.
“I understand this may be a burden for Parks and Recreation to administer,†Woldman said. “To be blunt, Parks and Recreation works for the administration and the council.â€
Corrales Fire Chief Anthony Martinez told the council he has been interested in using the park for years and would like to install a water tank there to use the existing well.
In other meeting news, Angelo Gonzales, chief of staff at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), presented to the council Bond 3, a proposed $230 million general obligation bond to improve the state’s public colleges, universities and specialty schools that is on the general election ballot.
Gonzales said the bond would not raise taxes and in addition to its educational objectives, is expected to generate around 2,300 jobs statewide, primarily in construction.
The proposed funding includes $16 million for CNM, with $10 million designated for expanding the Center for Technical Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development. Additionally, $6 million would be allotted for health and safety improvements across all campuses, enhancing the emergency alert systems and addressing specific code compliance needs.
Get involved
At the upcoming council meeting, the Citizen’s Group on Noise Ordinance is scheduled to give a presentation.
The next Village Council meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Village of Corrales Council Chambers, 4342 Corrales Rd.
The fallen branches from the storm are a major problem for many here in Corrales. It could be a community and village effort to help each other put their branches in front of their houses and the village wood chipper come by and shred the wood and then the wood chips could be used by the home owners as mulch or the village to use the chips for the park and such.. It would help people who don’t have finances to pay for the removal and help recycle positively. There is an opportunity here to make it a community effort.