A regional economic development and housing summit, organized by the Southeast New Mexico Economic Development District, took place on May 22-23, 2024, addressing the pressing housing crisis in southeastern New Mexico. The summit underscored the urgent need for diverse housing options, including both owner-occupied and rental units, to meet the growing demand in the region.

During the meeting, discussions also revolved around specific zoning changes in Roswell. A proposal was presented to rezone a property at 601 East Marker Street from community commercial (C-2) to residential (R-3) and subdivide it into seven residential lots. This proposal was met with no formal protests from the public, as confirmed by the planning and zoning office, which reported zero written or verbal objections.

However, a letter from Michael Schein, owner of a nearby 19-acre tract, raised concerns regarding the potential impact of the zoning change on his property’s future commercial use. Schein expressed his non-objection to the rezoning but requested that future owners of the new residential lots be prohibited from opposing commercial development on his land. This request highlights the complexities of urban planning and the need for careful consideration of how zoning changes can affect neighboring properties.

The planning and zoning commission emphasized that any changes to zoning classifications must align with the city’s land use plan and serve the public interest, not just the interests of individual applicants. The commission is tasked with ensuring that such developments contribute positively to the community's overall land use needs.

As the summit concluded, the discussions reflected a broader commitment to addressing housing shortages while navigating the intricacies of zoning regulations and community development in southeastern New Mexico.