Document History
Sanchez Property Development
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Status Jay Parks has abandoned this project. Note that there may be another deal in the works... Reports are that developer Dennis Branch has a contract with the Sanchez Family, when we have more news we'll post it. Overview The 19 acre lot owned by the Sanchez Family is being considered for purchase, and development is being planned. The Principle is Jay Parks, of "Parks Custom Builders". The property is zoned R-1, and the current plans are for a 22 unit subdivision with 19 lot sizes similar to those of the adjacent properties, varying between .7 and 1 acre each, and three "affordable housing" units on smaller lots to meet the City's Housing Opportunity Program requirements. The "Early Neighborhood Notification" meeting was held 8/4/2004, 5:30pm, at the Sangre de Cristo Raquet Club, 1755 Camino Corrales. Several additional concerns and suggestion were raised that have been added to this page in an attempt to collect all the initial major issues in one place. For those of you who asked to know more about the developer, they have a website at www.parkscustom.com where you can see examples of their work. When and if additional information or significant changes to the proposed development are known, we will most likely post a new "News" article, so stay tuned! Concerns/Suggestions Concerns include both construction traffic, additional residential traffic, and potential pass-thru traffic since the current design includes extending and connecting Calle de Leon and Cristobal Lane, creating a potential "cut-thru" for commuter traffic. The volume, noise, dust and weight of construction traffic through existing neighborhoods at either end are an issue, and would have an effect on residents along access routes, adjoining lots and especially those near the planned entrances. Additionally, neighborhoods with a "cut-thru" have statistically higher crime and lower home values due to the non-resident traffic. Suggestions to minimize impact include considering the following:
Noise during construction is a big concern. A project of this size and scope could easily take several years, during which time local residents are subject to the sound of heavy equipment moving dirt, large delivery trucks, and all the pounding, sawing, and other noises associated with construction. Initiating a large development like this in the middle of an established, mature, and quiet neighborhood, will have a large impact that should be minimized as much as possible. Suggestions to minimize impact include:
Concerns include the fact that there are several arroyos thru the property that carry significant water. Water flow should not be impeded or course changed such that it affects adjoining lots. The currently planned "detention pond" may cause problems with standing water and mosquitos, or overflow flooding. There is also some concern that changing the flow and drainage may negatively affect some local private wells. Suggestions include:
A major concern of ANY additional development includes increased water use. Suggestions include:
Concerns include the fact that there are a number of trails that have been used by local residents for many years to access the larger arroyos to the South and East. The current plat limits access, and provides only one easement that could potentially be preserved for trail access to Arroyo Chamiso. Suggestions include consideration for establishing additional easements and a "no-build buffer" around the perimeter and "cross lots" to retain access to arroyos for hikers AND wildlife. Access to trails of this nature is proven to raise property values, and would be a very positive feature to add to development. The City Parks and Rec dept. should be involved early to review the plat for suggested location of a trail easement for the Arroyo Chamiso trail to fullfill (or exceed) the development open space requirements. It should be noted that the Arroryo Chamiso trail extension is a planned feature in the City Master Plan for Future Land Use. Concerns include the visual impact of above-ground poles and distribution boxes for power, phone, and cable. Of particular concern is the powerline that is currently above ground across the proposed Calle de Leon entrance as it is low, and crosses a significant arroyo. Suggestions include requiring buried cables throughout the development, and distribution boxes hidden behind walls. Concerns include the visual impact possible designs inconsistant with the neighborhood in size, style or color. In addition to design and construction, people are concerned about guest houses and Casitas raising the effective residence units. Suggestions include requiring the formation of a Homeowners Association and appropriate Covenents to control Architectural design, development and land use. Specific language should be included in the Covenants to control the look, feel, and use of the property. Items that should be specified include:
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The development planning information on this page was provided by the Developers so that residents can review and prepare comments. The "Concerns/Responses" section was prepared by combining a number of concerns and issues brought forward by the public. After public meetings, we will make an effort to obtain official responses from the Developers, or attempt to paraphrase from meeting notes.