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Mesilla residents tell MPO walking path removed canal increases privacy and safety concerns
Summary
Two neighbors spoke during public comment at the Mesilla Valley MPO meeting, saying the University Avenue walking and bicycle path removed an irrigation canal and now exposes backyards, lowers privacy and may increase safety risks.
Two Mesilla residents told the Mesilla Valley MPO governing board during public comment on May 14 that a DOT-funded pedestrian and bicycle path along University Avenue has removed an earthen irrigation canal mound and exposed adjacent backyards, reducing privacy and increasing safety concerns.
“Kale Robertson,” who identified himself as living at the intersection of Bowman Avenue and University Avenue, said the project removed “an irrigation canal, which is about a 6 foot high elevation dirt mound” and that the new path places pedestrians and bicyclists on a higher elevation “looking down into my yard.” Robertson said that difference in grade, the variety of inconsistent property barriers and the introduction of new pedestrian traffic raised both privacy and security worries for his family and neighbors.
Neighbor Ben Schmidt added that criminal incidents near the canal — including a high-speed chase that ended behind his house and video he said captured gunfire — reinforced the security concerns raised by Robertson. Schmidt said he does not think property owners should bear the full cost of new fences or barriers required by the project and cited local fence height and permit limits as complicating factors.
Board members and the mayor acknowledged the comments. Mayor Russell Hernandez said the town had discussed the University Avenue project with NMDOT earlier that day and that coordination meetings were ongoing. MPO staff did not adopt any new policy or take action at the meeting; the comments were made during the public comment period.
Why it matters: The path is a DOT project that abuts private backyards; residents reported the canal formerly provided a privacy and safety buffer and asked whether design or permitting changes might allow consistent, effective barriers. Board members encouraged continued coordination with DOT and local jurisdictions so residents’ concerns can be addressed before construction is finalized.
