Socorro planners say Pecan Valley parcels removed from ETJ; residents press to keep Tres Caballos closed

The City of Socorro Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 17 discussed the removal of parcels, including Pecan Valley Estates, from the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) after a petition and city council action. Staff told commissioners the petition satisfied state thresholds and city council approved the removal, leaving the affected parcels under county jurisdiction for future subdivision approvals.

Commissioners and staff said the change means the county's subdivision rules and permitting processes will now govern those lands, limiting the city's role in rezoning and permitting. A staff member said the state recently changed laws to streamline ETJ removal applications, noting that a complete application with verified signatures is sent to city council and, if valid, is scheduled for hearing and approval. "They changed the laws," a staff member said, explaining the process has been expedited in recent years.

The topic dominated discussion because the ETJ change intersects with the proposed Arterial 1 alignment. Staff showed a map tracing the city limits, the parcels removed (Pecan Valley, Vista Bonita, Grijalva Estates and adjacent pecan orchards), and possible Arterial 1 routes, and said the city will continue Arterial 1 planning and NEPA work but may need county coordination for funding and implementation.

Several residents and developers addressed the commission during the opened discussion. Robert Romero of Train Associates, representing the developer for the Vista Bonita area, said the developer plans to close an internal street and will connect a sewer line to Tres Caballos but not water. The developer said construction could begin within three to four months after agreements and county approvals. "As of today, we're okay with closing it," Romero said about the proposed closure, and he added the developer will work with neighbors to avoid heavy trucks through residential streets.

Residents urged the city to preserve neighborhood safety and stop through-traffic. "I do not want Tres Caballos to open up," said retired Sergeant Major Jeremy Hendricks, a Tres Caballos resident, asking the commission to keep the road closed so the neighborhood retains its low traffic and safety. Another resident, Jesus Cabrera, said historical platting intended the end of Tres Caballos to be a cul-de-sac and asked the commission to consider that history.

Staff advised that vacating a stub-out (making the former public street private) is a formal process: the residents should file a request, staff will gather relevant ordinance language and survey needs, and final action must be taken by city council. Staff said vacation typically makes the vacated portion private property and adjacent owners could acquire the land after survey and council action.

Commissioners asked staff to research city ordinances and bring clarifying materials to a follow-up meeting for residents, and staff agreed to gather information within one to two weeks. After discussion closed, the commission voted to delete the original agenda item (which staff requested because the parcel no longer sat in the ETJ); the motion carried.

What happens next: the developer said it will pursue county approvals for the parcels now outside the ETJ; residents who want to pursue a formal street vacation must contact city staff so the item can be scheduled and reviewed by staff and, ultimately, acted on by city council.