Residents and commissioners press traffic and school concerns as Palindrome hearing is deferred

The Los Ranchos de Albuquerque Planning & Zoning Commission voted Dec. 10 to defer consideration of a Palindrome LLC site-development plan and plat to the commission’s Jan. 14, 2025 meeting, after the applicant requested more time to provide information. The deferral came as residents urged commissioners to act on traffic, parking and school-related impacts they say are already straining village streets.

The deferral was moved by Commissioner Talia Pietra and seconded by Commissioner Haywood; Commissioners Martinez, Edward, Talia Pietra, Haywood and Baldwin voted yes. Commissioner Barrow recused himself from the Palindrome item; Commissioner Homan was excused. Director Hill confirmed the commission will retain the sign-up list so speakers who signed up for the Palindrome case may present at the January hearing.

Why it matters: multiple public commenters said new uses and events near small residential streets are producing heavy traffic, unauthorized driveway use and safety risks for older residents. Cynthia Valdez of 8530 Rio Grande said film production parking connected to a neighbor’s alpaca farm led to “about 200 cars” parking and people…