[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6164646,"mediaKeyId","5427899-d28be012ba1ae860ae69d6009479c24e","parentId",5427899,"title","Commission approves rezone to C‑2 and master plan for 2768 Agua Fria amid neighbor concern about scale and parking","audioSeconds",3628,"startMs",15836000,"endMs",19464000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5427899-d28be012ba1ae860ae69d6009479c24e&start=15836&end=19464","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5427899-d28be012ba1ae860ae69d6009479c24e/thumbnail_15836000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6164646/Santa-Fe/Santa-Fe-County/New-Mexico/Commission-approves-rezone-to-C2-and-master-plan-for-2768-Agua-Fria-amid-neighbor-concern-about-scale-and-parking","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164646-5aa7f5760eebc75b42a7529134342d93/orig.mp4?Expires=1770949882&Signature=oxlILJ7o4tUUqlVIQ8vktWtF-euPXCMIEtBtwhWXbGgZ5n0GbliQ7HCHHR1cQ1~PVBSj0rbdEMgbyEaVDoS24g9Qi9~F6qjTtf~vMrIhQKBis7MuEOPYI-bixs41h~~jOB5uqqe7RqmxHI86vndohnK8pnRX3ZWeV3QOz~1QciSNq-Yy9nZ~PaNQilD6mlYsFu38moskX0T7MjjcN7X6fN-UATqbhDpKFEcgiMBYddXbQFWzcyerLl2QwAnavF--7OPQOICMNl5vkVM4URXo3N4klImyLuOmFlcLN6-3DxJ77-ZWylIwwPsI9iJvubIl4KXY4SBH2qWOD5uPKx5X1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Santa Fe, NM","date","2025-07-18T23:34:55.34Z","article","The Planning Commission recommended that the governing body approve a rezoning from mixed‑use to C‑2 and approved a master plan for a proposed 130‑unit mixed‑use multifamily community at 2768 Agua Fria Street after considering a traffic and parking study, open‑space provisions and public input.

Project summary: The applicant proposes three buildings (two three‑story and one two‑story), neighborhood commercial space, 130 residential units and shared amenity areas on a 4.12‑acre site. The proposal includes 160 resident parking spaces on the draft master plan; the applicant requested a parking reduction and provided a parking‑demand study using Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) methodology. Staff reviewed and concurred with the study and agreed to the requested reduction, subject to conditions.

Why the rezone: Under the existing mixed‑use designation, density is limited by building height (12 units per acre up to 25 feet, 14 units per acre up to 35 feet); the applicant sought C‑2 zoning to allow higher density and greater design flexibility. Staff concluded the request aligns with the future land‑use map’s transitional mixed‑use designation and recommended the rezone and master plan.

Public and neighbor testimony: Property owners and operators adjacent to the site — including a long‑standing industrial operation (Capital Scrap Metals) — urged the commission to deny the rezone or require different design approaches, arguing the proposed three‑story massing and the project’s density are incompatible with the surrounding context. Concerns included privacy impacts, traffic on narrow local roads, potential reduction in property values, and adjacency of a large residential complex to heavy commercial/industrial activities. Applicant representatives said they had tailored the site plan to provide buffers (garages and landscaping) along the shared boundary and had conducted traffic and parking analyses.

Parking and the 42‑foot easement: Staff presented a parking‑demand analysis and noted a 42‑foot easement along the site’s south edge that — if developed as MPO connectivity — would remove six parking stalls from the plan; staff’s review considered the potential removal and still supported the requested parking reduction. The applicant agreed to provide 10% of units as affordable housing (13 units) and to pay a fee‑in‑lieu for 5% per city policy.

Commissions actions: The commission voted to recommend approval of the rezoning to C‑2 and approved the master plan, subject to technical corrections and conditions listed in staff materials. Commissioners also asked the applicant to increase exterior bicycle parking during development‑plan review; the applicant offered to double exterior bicycle racks as a follow‑up condition.

What happens next: The commission’s recommendation will go to the governing body for final action on the rezone; a future development‑plan review will implement the master plan’s details including final unit layouts, parking counts and required public‑realm improvements. The applicant will address staff conditions and coordinate mitigation measures for adjacency to industrial uses at the development‑plan stage.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission Meeting 7/17","oneSentenceSummary","The Planning Commission recommended that the governing body approve a rezoning from mixed‑use to C‑C2 and approved a master plan for a proposed 130‑unit multifamily community at 2768 Agua Fria Street, while neighbors urged caution over scale, parking and adjacency to industrial uses.","taxTitle","Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, New Mexico","taxId",2727,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6164662,"Planning commission tables Midtown master plan amendment after debate over facade rules and permitted uses",6156,784000,6940000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5427899-d28be012ba1ae860ae69d6009479c24e&start=784&end=6940","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5427899-d28be012ba1ae860ae69d6009479c24e/thumbnail_784000.jpg","/articles/6164662/Santa-Fe/Santa-Fe-County/New-Mexico/Planning-commission-tables-Midtown-master-plan-amendment-after-debate-over-facade-rules-and-permitted-uses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164662-d965be18e1edb19770bd5ea46082586b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770949882&Signature=D6qThy~UlQAc2Pb6EhxvHyQKLS2m2aeeHN6aqIAN4k8fODI-6ltqWQRyHhCYHNc47clciMfjW9nq7n63oLwxmwZxaS4dbVOtUZZLo3qrA0WDzS9m8VITn7QIjyYkm7lP~duRoRsn~BjC4Q6n0nC6wdsuo0LmChqkl2KS~p-nRlGqQArQG-mPXNbr6c5eQPlyfJ9VHpCOduiVXO2IeVtYZTN4~jlNLSIOmB5yLZ94hH7MvyPGXXVuXU6yFMPPcxralW0LKqczJzCnIERVV8UDeQNKVFnkMHbg7EPy5clj7t35rrqr~rj1RTvVF1Jq6Ba59MJhRm9EJ50cKJqIxB37vw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Santa Fe Planning Commission took up a proposed amendment to the Midtown Master Plan for the Midtown site at 1600 Saint Michael's Drive, hearing a detailed presentation from city staff and the Midtown Redevelopment Agency before tabling the item for additional work on a condition addressing facade articulation.

The amendment would change subzone designations, alter facade-zone standards and height guidance, add sign, mural and landscape provisions, and replace the plan’s permitted-use table with a system referencing the C-2 zoning permitted uses while retaining a list of prohibited uses for the site. City and applicant presenters described the changes as intended to provide flexibility for redevelopment that the MRA says will accelerate implementation of the Midtown vision.

Why it matters: Midtown is a multi‑acre redevelopment site with city-led planning documents that guide future housing, commercial and film‑production uses. Commissioners and members of the public said changes to facade step‑back requirements and to permitted uses could materially affect the site’s expected character, neighborhood impacts and the margin for architectural quality.

How the discussion unfolded: City case manager Joel Krusaber and Howell Cruz Haber described technical changes in the amendment — removing some Main Street office facade standards from mixed-use film zones, increasing some allowed facade heights to match existing Midtown height limits (up to five stories in limited facade zones subject to Midtown Link height limits), and referencing C-2 permitted uses while carrying forward site-specific prohibitions. Lisa Gavioli, senior project manager with NV5, and Daniel Hernandez of the Midtown Redevelopment Agency (MRA) emphasized the amendments are intended as “minor tweaks” to reduce implementation barriers, making regulations less prescriptive while preserving the master plan’s intent.

Commissioners pressed MRA staff and the applicant on specifics. Questions focused on whether prohibited uses would effectively become permitted under a C-2 reference, how step‑back removal would affect street‑level design, and whether a five‑story facade would comfortably fit within the code’s height limits (noted as 52 feet for qualifying residential projects, 62 feet for other Midtown projects). MRA representatives said qualifying residential projects can be administratively reviewed, that many design elements remain required by the Midtown design guidelines, and that the MRA intends to negotiate design through exclusive negotiation agreements and disposition and development agreements before projects proceed to construction.

Public comment ranged from supportive statements about enabling redevelopment to concerns about weakened design controls and reduced public notice. A neighborhood resident told commissioners the amendments felt larger than “minor tweaks,” saying step‑back and zoning changes would weaken protections the community expected when the Midtown plan was adopted.

Outcome: Commissioners asked staff and MRA to craft a clear condition that would preserve expectations for pedestrian‑level façade articulation while allowing the flexibility applicants and the MRA requested. The commission voted to table the item so staff and applicant representatives could draft that condition and return later in the meeting; when the item returned the commission recommended the governing body approve the amendment with the added articulation condition drafted by staff.

What comes next: The commission’s recommendation will go to the governing body (City Council) for final action. The MRA and planning staff said they will continue to negotiate specific architectural and development details with prospective developers through ENAs and DDAs and to return development plans to land‑use review as required.

Evidence in the record: The planning staff presentation detailed the proposed changes to subzones, façade zone standards, permitted uses and landscape/sign standards; MRA staff described outreach and policy rationale; public speakers requested broader notification or expressed design and traffic concerns.","The Santa Fe Planning Commission took up a proposed amendment to the Midtown Master Plan for the Midtown site at 1600 Saint Michael's Drive, hearing a detailed presentation from city staff and the Midtown Redevelopment Agency before tabling the item for additional work on a condition addressing facade articulation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6164651,"Commission approves 119,540‑sq‑ft affordable housing proposal at 1111 Okate Road after requiring ADA access plan",3913,11666000,15579000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5427899-d28be012ba1ae860ae69d6009479c24e&start=11666&end=15579","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5427899-d28be012ba1ae860ae69d6009479c24e/thumbnail_11666000.jpg","/articles/6164651/Santa-Fe/Santa-Fe-County/New-Mexico/Commission-approves-119540sqft-affordable-housing-proposal-at-1111-Okate-Road-after-requiring-ADA-access-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164651-f92d9e676cfd9a25385d5117c277c6f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770949882&Signature=EWOetetg6Y3Wnge7u2IFX3IUcLq1k1fAtrDhLMT5K~HiBCzSMrqBcxpb2WYIANqF0RzGlsAuaCtY73t1WI~R1VLyfEeHs8zmBjJIBvB1rDyoAK4HyaOaHdBU6SDYG0DvVBdwE1nWE77eFOzAy8OZDP9o8NVDx1KatHG03mSlgA6Bs~kHfXdHGtfi3sOJLDmRol0BnwScmloWbXQCAwNdpRGWHYSEH4KbTgyvHO9K3Bix7WYqNaYStM30NhT3FQKICKoPUBY-2z4YGO4c~iQAjwMK4a2LC1ZVeqXXa1lZN5bQG5FU798EfD7qvqbyUGUS9Z7VlcYRj1cVtYH2prrRjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission voted to approve a 119,540‑square‑foot affordable multifamily development proposed by the Santa Fe Civic Housing Authority at 1111 Okate Road, subject to conditions and a requirement that the applicant secure a financial guarantee to ensure an accessible route to public transit.

Project basics: The Okate Apartments project proposes three buildings with a combined floor area of about 119,540 square feet on a 5.64‑acre site. The project includes two access drives off Okate Road, covered garages, visitor parking, a community building, playgrounds, rain gardens and landscaping. The developer proposes more than the code minimum for vehicle parking (142 provided, 130 required by code according to staff), and extensive bicycle parking (approximately 30 spaces shown in site documents). The site is vacant with two abandoned structures; utilities (water and sewer) are available at Okate.

Why access to transit was contentious: City staff, the applicant and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) discussed how the project would meet the city’s requirement for an accessible path of travel to a public transit stop. A bus stop serving the corridor sits within walking distance, but there is an 80‑foot gap in sidewalk on the north side of Okate that creates a barrier for wheelchairs and other mobility‑impaired users. Staff presented two technical options: (1) extend continuous sidewalk along the north side of Okate Road back to Cerritos (a longer, costlier option) or (2) build a shorter sidewalk and a mid‑block crossing to access the existing south‑side sidewalk and the bus stop (a lower‑cost alternative but one whose safe design would require engineering study and an approved crossing treatment). The MPO highlighted pedestrian safety tradeoffs and said a raised crossing could be suitable with engineering review.

Commission response and action: Commissioners recognized the ADA requirement and the applicant’s time pressures. The commission approved the development plan but attached a condition requiring the applicant to include, as part of its financial guarantee, funding to construct an ADA‑compliant path from the property to a transit boarding location; the applicant and city will jointly explore detailed alternatives (sidewalk extension, mid‑block crossing, or other engineered solutions) and may use bonding to ensure the work is completed if adjacent property negotiations do not succeed.

Public testimony and applicant comment: The applicant stressed the project’s importance as a 100% affordable family housing development near services and transit. A nearby property owner and business representative (Capital Scrap Metals) urged caution about density and adjacency to industrial uses; the applicant offered to work on buffering and design to mitigate impacts. Neighbors requested coordination on irrigation and traffic during driveway construction; staff and the developer said they will work with Public Works and the neighborhood.

Next steps: With the commission’s approval, the applicant will proceed to final engineering and permitting. Staff said the condition requiring a financial guarantee and continued coordination with MPO and Public Works will be documented in permit requirements so the accessible route is constructed or bonded before final plat/recordation as agreed by the commission.

Evidence in the record: Staff presentation covered site layout, utilities and two options for ADA access; the applicant provided a cost estimate and requested flexibility given the project’s affordable‑housing finance constraints.","The Planning Commission approved Okate Apartments, a proposed 119,540‑square‑foot, 100% affordable multifamily development on 5.64 acres, but attached a condition requiring the applicant to guarantee funding for an ADA‑compliant route to the nearest bus stop and said staff and applicant must explore options to meet the requirement.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6164657,"Planning commission approves Monte del Sol charter school expansion, including gym and classrooms",274,6972000,7246000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5427899-d28be012ba1ae860ae69d6009479c24e&start=6972&end=7246","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5427899-d28be012ba1ae860ae69d6009479c24e/thumbnail_6972000.jpg","/articles/6164657/Santa-Fe/Santa-Fe-County/New-Mexico/Planning-commission-approves-Monte-del-Sol-charter-school-expansion-including-gym-and-classrooms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164657-10515088acd4fd4940e739ba9953c54d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770949882&Signature=b5eS9x60hj-XYrazmM0wKsZK-gsrPJKJoLLKgkJDFgpIKSY~mfv-lWktiS4rFMZ8y3V-aAOMbFF2nSSQrryImv6m7W68t~EJyhL707zQCN5rJMJ9GlLVon~zyTci4vC~SWuNEWwGrUtg4gd2FTDVCXCS~N8I84qJi0CtBqfANdxgP86XmXUKG~YsmQyM30wOtISCc~8qjpdlSn4q~RfrDaRvtxQ7VcNJ1mUGwKQefSlsObDjjgCdLyO80mF3d2RAZw3PSCFyY4H4dCh3ipTt3EZI1jZfwz5jfArJuMJRSflB-igMXImFwpF560EPG1QqLuPmRASzOeD1fOGmssk9XQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Santa Fe Planning Commission voted to approve a development plan amendment and a special‑use permit that will allow Monte del Sol Charter School to build a new gymnasium, administrative offices and classrooms on a two‑tract campus near Walking Rain Road.

Staff and the applicant said the project will add a 20,432‑square‑foot gymnasium, outdoor courts and fields, expanded parking and permanent classrooms to replace several portable buildings. The school has presented the project as a multi‑phase effort to improve campus security, student amenities and athletic facilities.

Why it matters: Monte del Sol has operated without an on‑site gym for decades and relies on rented space. School leaders told commissioners the gym would reduce costs, provide a safer and more accessible site for athletics and community events, and improve security by consolidating campus access.

Details of the proposal: The proposed Phase 1 building would include the gym, five classrooms and relocated administrative offices to create a formal campus entrance. The plan calls for expanded parking (162 spaces, including ADA stalls) and 37 bicycle parking spaces. Staff noted drainage ponds, new hydrants and a sprinklered gym will meet public‑safety requirements. Landscape staff recommended a 15‑foot landscape buffer where the school abuts undeveloped residential tracts; staff and the applicant agreed the buffer will be installed when the applicant advances the phase that replaces the portable structures.

Public testimony and neighborhood concerns: Students, parents and school staff gave strongly supportive testimony, describing the gym as important for extracurriculars, community events and student safety. Neighbors spoke about traffic and asked for coordination on bus ingress/egress and irrigation lines where the new driveway will be constructed; staff and the applicant said they will continue to coordinate with the neighborhood and with engineering staff to limit glare, lighting spill and traffic impacts.

Commission action: The commission approved the special‑use permit for the school expansion (case 202510172) and the development plan amendment (case 202510189) on separate roll‑call votes; staff’s recommended conditions and technical corrections and an amended condition on the landscape buffer timing were attached to the approvals.

What comes next: With planning‑commission approval the applicant may proceed with final permitting steps required by Land Use and Fire; construction phasing and any future phases will require building permits and additional plan review. Staff said bus routing and access will be coordinated by the applicant and city traffic staff before construction.","The commission approved a development plan amendment and special-use permit for Monte del Sol Charter School to add a gymnasium, classrooms and parking at 4157–4161 Walking Rain Road. Staff required revised landscaping and buffer timing; neighbors and students spoke in favor. The commission approved both items by roll call.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves rezone to C‑2 and master plan for 2768 Agua Fria amid neighbor concern about scale and parking

Planning commission tables Midtown master plan amendment after debate over facade rules and permitted uses

Commission approves 119,540‑sq‑ft affordable housing proposal at 1111 Okate Road after requiring ADA access plan

Planning commission approves Monte del Sol charter school expansion, including gym and classrooms