On Wednesday night the Extra-Territorial Zoning Authority or ETA denied the appeal of the decision that rejected commercial zoning near Tortugas mountain. After the 8 hour long public meeting, the 5 ETA members present voted unanimously against changing the decision. A successful appeal would have allowed the property’s owners to build a strip mall on the site.
Dona Ana County Development Staff was the applicant making the appeal. The ETA says staff failed to prove a commercial zoning would be consistent with the comprehensive plan for the area.
They also found that the zoning did not meet the specific criteria of zoning ordinances such as meeting a need for commercial activity in the area or creating economic opportunity to support tourist activity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4TVu3KfTHA&list=UUOcGqEoruZ0xKIqu7D3bKYA
The property is located between the City of Las Cruces and the recently designated Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument.
The ETA found that a commercial zoning and development would in fact detract from the economic potential of Tortugas Mountain – which was cited as being a natural gateway to the Organ Mountains monument as well as having its own importance as a historic site and recreational area.
Following the denial of the appeal, Dona Ana County Community development staff could present a case opening the property up to an alternate zoning or resubmit a case for commercial zoning following further research.
