ONE YEAR LATER - WHERE ARE WE?

On Thursday, August 26, 2009, all of the residents of Area 1 were successful in taking a huge step in securing the character of our neighborhoods, collectively known as "Area 1". (See post here for more.)

Now, one year later, where are we? There is an interesting article in today's Santa Fe New Mexican that begins to shed some light on this question.

"City officials have approached a point where they must get serious about understanding the potential costs and benefits of large-scale annexations scheduled for the end of next year."

NOW THEY START TO "GET SERIOUS"?

"Just this month, the University of New Mexico's Bureau for Business and Economic Research began a financial analysis on contract for the city — more than a year after former city officials told The New Mexican a cost analysis was "under way."

"Several of us during the municipal election took positions saying 'We are not sure we can afford all of this.' And that is where I still am," said Councilor Rebecca Wurzburger, who was among four councilors re-elected in March. "I am saying it is time to sit down and see what we can realistically do given the constraints that we have financially".

Read the full article here.

Folks, we were promised a dedicated Community Planning process that has not happened. The process was supposed to address zoning and open space issues, to preserve the existing character of Area 1.

It is time to get involved again to assure the best possible outcome for ourselves, our homes, and our neighborhoods. Please stay tuned and stay informed. There may be opportunities for our coalition to become more involved as the City tries to decide what it will do with the Annexation of Area 1.