Residents urge council to rescind sale of 744 West Animas and to prioritize replacing Lions Pool

Two public‑comment items drew sustained attention from the council.

Sean, a resident who identified his address on West Animas Street, presented a community vision for 744 West Animas as a public commons and asked the council to rescind Ordinance 1378 approving sale of the parcel to San Juan Regional Kidney Care. He alleged the city did not disclose asbestos abatement and demolition risks during the sale process, argued the transaction may implicate New Mexico’s anti‑donation clause and said required procedures under the Local Economic Development Act, the Metropolitan Redevelopment Act or the Public‑Private Partnership Act were not followed. He said he filed IPRA requests for records (numbers 321 and 325) that remain extended and urged the council to preserve the parcel for public use.

Separately, Bettina Moore, a retired ER nurse, and Maggie Scott, a disabled veteran, described Lions Pool as being “at the end of its life cycle,” closed since Sept. 5, and the only warm‑water exercise option for many elderly and disabled residents. They said an architect’s plan exists to expand the aquatic center and requested the council revisit funding and champion the project; a walkthrough of facility problems was scheduled for Jan. 16.

Mayor and councilors thanked the speakers and affirmed staff will consider their comments; the council did not take formal action on either item during the meeting.