Board approves Stonegate master plan and land‑use changes to add mixed‑use village and higher‑density housing

The Rio Rancho Planning and Zoning Board approved concurrent amendments to the Lomas Negras Specific Area Plan, the Stonegate master plan and a zone map amendment that together create a new Stonegate Village special‑use zone permitting neighborhood commercial (NC), R3 mixed residential and R6 multifamily residential uses on two tracts (tracks 3 and 5).

City planner Liz Ruiz Carlos presented the three items together and said the proposals cover approximately 27.77 acres and would amend the Lomas Negras land use map from medium‑density residential to mixed‑use and amend the Stonegate master plan to reflect updated drainage, transportation and design guidelines. Staff recommended the board find the changes consistent with the comprehensive plan and the Lomas Negras Specific Area Plan and to recommend approval to the governing body with…