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Neighbors press Corrales council to order clean-and-lien for property with tires, abandoned vehicles and encampments
Summary
Multiple residents urged the council to act on a long-troubled lot at 744 Old Church Road, describing piles of tires, abandoned vehicles and people living without sanitation; staff said certified notice has been sent and legal counsel is pursuing expedited remedies including a potential clean-and-lien.
Several residents told the council that a privately owned property on Old Church Road presents an immediate fire and health hazard that has persisted for decades. Pamela Whitney told the council the Felipe Silva property at 744 Old Church Road "has over 50 tires that are highly toxic in piles that would burn for days," and residents described abandoned vehicles, accumulated trash and people living on the parcel without plumbing or sanitary services.
Whitney and neighbors asked the council to order a clean-and-lien to remove the hazard. P&Z staff Laurie told councilors she had sent a certified letter to the property owner of record and provided documentation to the village attorney (NMED correspondence, police reports, code-enforcement records and photographs from neighbors). Laurie said the village attorney has been tasked with the "most expeditious path forward" and acknowledged the process will be a heavy lift because it may require eviction of people living on the property and court action.
Fire Chief Anthony explained the operational risks: large accumulations of tires and vehicles can produce long-burning fires that require defensive responses and may necessitate evacuation notices for nearby residents. He said past enforcement on other properties was time-consuming and dangerous and emphasized the need for legal remedies to avoid reallocation of junk to other parcels.
What the council did: Staff and legal counsel will continue pursuing legal remedies, including possible emergency court measures and a clean-and-lien; Laurie said she has already forwarded evidence in support of action and that the process is being prioritized. Several councilors asked for updates and indicated support for aggressive enforcement while acknowledging legal and human-services challenges when people are living on the parcel.
Evidence: Public comments, staff statements that certified notice has been sent, and the chief27s operational description are recorded in the meeting transcript.
