Alamogordo commissioners table encampment ordinance after wide-ranging public safety debate

The Alamogordo City Commission on Tuesday voted 6-0 to table a proposed ordinance that would revise rules on public and private camping, after extended public comment and testimony from fire officials that highlighted fire and safety risks linked to encampments.

The ordinance, listed as item 4 on the agenda, drew several public speakers and discussion from commissioners and staff. The commission agreed to pause consideration for roughly 30 days to solicit additional community feedback and to examine concerns about enforcement, private-property impacts and criminal penalties.

Why it matters: supporters of the ordinance cited repeated unsafe fires and hostile interactions that endanger first responders and property; opponents said the measure risks criminalizing people experiencing homelessness and could overload courts and the county jail without adding shelter capacity or social services.

During public comment, Kelvin Holly, who said he owns property in the affected neighborhood, urged swift action on nuisance houses and encampments, saying they had become “trap houses” and were “not safe for the community.” Derek…