Council approves rezoning for Horizon Park Unit 3; developer commits to sidewalks and public improvements

The Socorro City Council approved second‑reading rezoning on March 20 to reclassify a little more than 5 acres at 10971 E. Burt Road from A‑1 agricultural to R‑2 medium‑density residential to allow the development of Horizon Park Unit 3, a proposed 17‑lot single‑family subdivision.

City planner Lorraine summarized the request: the property owner is Bowling Brothers Development Company LLC and the applicant’s representative is Jorge Scarate of CA Group. The Future Land Use Map designates the area as rural residential. Planning staff recommended approval; the Planning & Zoning Commission’s Feb. 18 vote was four in favor, one no and one abstention.

During public comment a resident identified by the mayor as Mr. Williams, a Burke Road homeowner, raised traffic, access and sidewalk concerns, asking whether the development would add additional exits, connect to existing sewer and provide sidewalks for schoolchildren. Developer representative Jorge Scarate said a sanitary sewer line exists along Burt Road though it was unknown whether all neighboring homes are connected; he said the proposed lots exceed the 6,000‑square‑foot minimum, that the plan proposes 17 lots, and that the developer will construct roadways, drainage, curb and gutter, pavement and sidewalks along the portion that abuts the project. Scarate also said stormwater would be directed to a public pond.

Council action: A motion and second were made and the council approved the second reading and adoption; the transcript records that the motion passed but does not show a roll‑call tally. Staff noted that any variances or changes to the plan would require subsequent Planning & Zoning consideration and possible council action.

What happens next: With rezoning approved, the developer may submit plats and construction plans. Council and staff said they will explore how to extend utilities and sidewalks further to serve existing residents.