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County to buy adjacent lot for tiny home village expansion despite appraisal gap; vote 4-1
Summary
The commission authorized purchase of a 0.49-acre site at 105 Texas St. for expansion of the county-run Tiny Home Village, approving a $290,000 offer the county said was above appraisal but necessary to secure immediately available land.
Bernalillo County commissioners approved acquisition of a 0.49-acre parcel at 105 Texas Street to expand the county-operated Tiny Home Village, voting 4-1 after discussion about price and value.
The nut graf: County staff presented the purchase as an opportunity to expand an existing transitional housing facility that operates an 18- to 24-month program with case management and wraparound services. Staff told the commission the seller initially sought $400,000, appraisals ranged lower, and the county negotiated a $290,000 deal to secure a contiguous property where staff say expansion is more cost-effective than seeking separate land and duplicating services.
Deputy County Manager Cynthia White told the commission the property — bordered by Zuni Road, Texas Street and Central Avenue — abuts the current tiny home village and would support 18 additional tiny homes to house individuals at the facility. White said the county obtained appraisals that varied and staff judged the parcel’s value to the county was higher than the low appraisal because a contiguous expansion reduces future operating and site-development costs.
Commissioner Frank Buck and others described a site visit and praised current village management and the program’s outcomes. Commissioner Benson questioned paying $290,000 when staff shared an appraisal figure well below that number and asked why the county offered more than the appraisal. White said a willing seller, the existing facility’s operations and the immediate opportunity to expand made the purchase preferable despite the premium. Chair Olivos disclosed during the item that a campaign donor had donated to his campaign; Olivos said the donor is the chairman of the Albuquerque Indian Center, the current owner of the property, and he disclosed the contribution for transparency but said he had no role in the negotiations.
Vice Chair Barboa announced plans to introduce a separate August resolution to prioritize culturally appropriate housing, behavioral health and public-safety collaboration for Native American residents following the closure of the Albuquerque Indian Center and community concerns about lost resources. Commissioners approved the purchase 4-1; the lone dissenting vote raised concerns about paying above appraisal and the use of taxpayer funds.
The vote authorizes the county manager to execute the purchase agreement and related instruments to protect title. Staff said the purchase supports the county’s broader housing and behavioral-health strategies. The county will use the property to expand the Tiny Home Village operated by the Behavioral Health Division.
