County staff recommends conditional-use permit for Simic retreat; neighbors raise water, traffic and commercialization concerns

Applicants Thomas (Tom) and Christina Maestas Simic asked the Santa Fe County hearing officer for a conditional-use permit (CUP) to host small outdoor retreats, memorials and ceremonies on their 3.45-acre property at 7687 Old Santa Fe Trail.

David Ruiz, Development Review Specialist Senior, summarized the request and staff review. He said the property is zoned Traditional Community, where “retreat” is a conditional use, and that the Simics proposed gatherings generally of 20 attendees, limited to 50 maximum, alcohol-free and with hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Ruiz said required agency reviews were requested; the County Fire Marshal and Office of the State Engineer commented, and NMED and SHPO reviews were pending or not received at the time of the memo. Building and Development Services staff concluded the use could be compatible with the zone and recommended approval of the CUP subject to conditions.

Christina Simic, who described her professional work as a “death doula” and life-cycle celebrant, said her services focus on small, nature-based ceremonies and emphasized they would be alcohol-free and limited in size. She told the hearing officer gatherings would generally host 20 attendees and be capped at 50.

Neighbors and community members voiced sharply contrasting views. Dozens of supporters described Simic’s work as “healing,” “intimate,” and a community service — several said they had personal experiences of ceremonies she led. Supporters included family members and local residents who said the property offered an appropriate setting and that the Simics had taken steps to limit impacts.

Opponents — including multiple long-time Canada De Los Alamos residents — raised health and safety concerns tied to water supply, traffic and emergency access. Several speakers referenced prior contested applications for larger retreat-related projects in the area and warned that repeated events of up to 50 attendees could strain local wells and complicate wildfire evacuation on narrow roads. Neighbors also argued a CUP could amount to a commercial operation in a primarily residential traditional village.

Hearing Officer Abare questioned staff and the applicant about the well-permitting status. Ruiz said the Office of the State Engineer initially noted the well was “not currently permitted for the use as described” but another letter from the State Engineer later approved the use. Simic confirmed she had amended the well use and submitted signed documentation to the county. Ruiz also said Public Works did not return comments within 30 days, so staff moved the application forward per ordinance; staff noted the applicant had represented that many gatherings would be smaller than 50.

After public testimony, county staff proposed additional conditions in response to concerns: limit attendees to 20 per event (staff recommended this as a new condition), require the applicant to submit a site threshold (traffic) analysis to determine whether a traffic-impact analysis is required, prohibit off-site parking, and require on-site overflow parking on applicant-owned adjacent property. Hearing Officer Abare said he would prepare a recommended order within 15 business days.

The hearing record includes staff reports, exhibits, and letters from the Office of the State Engineer; no final administrative decision was made at the hearing.