Socorro planning commission approves logistics-center rezoning, signs off on multiple plats and replats

On Sept. 16 the City of Socorro Planning and Zoning Commission approved a rezoning and variance to allow a 9.78-acre parcel of the Mesa Spur Drain to be designated Industrial Commercial Mixed-Use District (ICMUD) to provide additional parking and a microgrid site for the Socorro Logistics Center, and it approved multiple plats and replats for residential and commercial subdivisions.

The rezoning request moved a parcel shown on the city's future land-use map as open space into ICMUD and granted a variance from section 46-451 (general regulations, subsection A) to permit a 9.78-acre site where the ordinance requires a minimum 10-acre parcel. City staff recommended approval; the motion to approve the rezoning and variance passed on a voice vote with commissioners concurring.

Staff, represented at the meeting by the city planner, told commissioners the parcel had been sold by the El Paso County Water Improvement District after the district determined the Mesa Spur Drain segment was no longer used for irrigation. The developer, identified as Coral Logistics Land 2 LLC and represented by Adam Doer, said the parcel will provide parking and a small-scale electrical "microgrid" to support existing and future industrial space in the Socorro Logistics Center. Staff reported no written public opposition within the notified 200-foot radius.

Commissioners also approved the preliminary and final plat for Punta Del Este Unit 3 (about 21.98 acres at 2100 Asencio Drive) submitted by CASCO Ventures; approved the Horizon Park Unit 1 Replat B (1.097 acres) submitted by Bolling Brothers Development Company LLC; approved the preliminary plat for Cotton Cove Unit 2 (about 4.36 acres, 17 lots) submitted by Bolling Brothers Development Company LLC; and approved the preliminary plat for Horizon Park Unit 4 (3.44 acres) with conditions requiring an engineer to request a waiver related to storm drainage tie-in and to submit a master-plan amendment under the city's master-plan-change rule.

During discussion of plats in the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), staff reiterated that zoning does not apply to properties in the ETJ and that plats are reviewed for subdivision standards and infrastructure coordination (water, sewer, rights of way) rather than for building use. Commissioners raised infrastructure concerns, particularly about Burt Road capacity and traffic access; staff and developers said utility and improvement plans are coordinated with Lower Valley water and other utilities and that traffic signals require formal warrants before installation.

Separately, the commission voted to delete items 7 and 8 from the agenda so those items can be republished with missing information. The commission carried that procedural motion after confirming a caller who had sought to speak had hung up.

The commission voted on the items at the meeting; staff indicated these cases will go to City Council at the second meeting in October.