Rio Rancho approves CNM site plan for automotive technology building at Zenith Court
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Summary
The governing body approved a site plan for an automotive technology building on land owned by Rio Rancho Public Schools. The project, led by CNM in partnership with the school district, will offer dual-credit coursework to Rio Rancho High School students; two councilors recused themselves from the vote.
The Rio Rancho governing body voted to approve a site plan for an automotive technology building to be located off Zenith Court on property owned by Rio Rancho Public Schools.
Amy Rincon, the city’s director of development services, told the council the item is D31, a site plan for "an automotive technology building" on the Corrales North Business Tech Center property, and that "staff recommends approval." Rincon said the parcel is zoned SU and that the agenda packet included site plans, landscaping, engineering drawings and building renderings.
Jenny Davis, facilities project manager for Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), said representatives from CNM and the project design team were present. "We are getting ready to break ground, and we're really excited," Davis said. She described the project as a partnership with Rio Rancho Public Schools and said Rio Rancho High School students will be able to take courses for dual credit while still in high school.
Councilor Dabson expressed support for the project at the council meeting, saying, "it's about time and ... one of the best things that we could be doing for our students and for our city." Two councilors — Councilor Tyler and Councilor List — recused themselves from participation in the D31 discussion and vote because of affiliations with the public schools.
The motion to approve the site plan passed; the record shows the council approved D31 after a roll call. The applicants present included CNM staff and members of the civil and architectural teams who answered questions from the council during the hearing.
The project packet included multiple elevation renderings and a landscaping plan; staff noted additional engineering drawings were part of the submitted materials. No public commenters spoke on D31 during the hearing portion of the meeting.
Construction was described as imminent by CNM and partners; the exact construction schedule, budget and contract award details for building construction were not specified at the hearing.
Council members and city staff said they expect the building to expand opportunities for workforce training and strengthen the partnership between the community college and the school district.