Rio Rancho council adds Bridal/Idalia corridor and Sierra Norte Park to impact-fee plan

The Rio Rancho City Council approved a resolution to amend the Impact Fee Capital Improvement Plan, adding the Bridal/Idalia corridor and Sierra Norte Park to the city’s IFCIP.

The resolution, R-22, was presented by City Manager Matt Geisel and passed by roll call vote. The change makes the two projects eligible for impact-fee reimbursement and allows the city to work with developers on funding future improvements in the identified areas.

The Bridal/Idalia corridor addition covers an area identified for a corridor study under the Public Works Department, with anticipated improvements from Northern Boulevard north to the intersection with Iris. Geisel said growth and development along the Broadmoor corridor and north of Loma Colorado are placing new demands on the system; adding Bridal to the IFCIP helps the city plan and partner with developers on future roadway and infrastructure work.

The second addition, Sierra Norte Park (off Pine in Council District 2), responds to new residential development to the west of the park. Adding the park to the IFCIP, Geisel said, creates an avenue for developer-assisted improvements.

Geisel reported that the Capital Improvement Plan Citizens Advisory Committee reviewed the resolution on Jan. 27 and recommended approval by a 5–4–0 vote. No members of the public registered to speak on the item at the hearing. The council approved R-22 by roll call; councilors voting “yes” were Japson, Tyler, Culbreth, List, Linentine and Weimer.

The amendment does not in itself obligate the city to build the listed projects; it only places them in the IFCIP so they are eligible for impact-fee consideration and potential reimbursement arrangements with developers.

Council members offered no additional substantive discussion on the item before the roll call.