Santa Fe archaeological committee withholds interim clearance for HomeWise infrastructure pending final report

The City of Santa Fe Archaeological Review Committee voted on March 26 to remove an interim archaeological report for a HomeWise infrastructure project from approval and to withhold broader project approval until a final report and requested conditions are submitted.

During discussion of case 2026012088, staff flagged a proposed condition that would confine the committee’s current conditional approval to roadway construction within a 25‑foot buffer and delay off‑site drainage and other infrastructure until the final report and ARC review. Staff expressed concern that allowing off‑site infrastructure now could create confusion about what is authorized, given parties who will later work on the landscape might not be present at this hearing.

Ron Winters, agent for HomeWise Inc., told the committee he had consulted with the Cultural Properties Review Committee (CPRC) and state reviewers and that CPRC’s questions focused primarily on Site LA5477. Winters said he had excavated 0.17% of LA5477 and presented a monitoring plan and sample analyses; he emphasized that ceramic and obsidian sourcing are complete but that C14 and soil results are pending.

Jennifer Jenkins, representing Lincoln’s Cabin on behalf of HomeWise, asked the committee to consider a conditional or preliminary clearance that would allow essential infrastructure work (including drainage and sewer line work needed to access the property) to proceed subject to the submitted monitoring plan. "We can't build a road without building the drainage structures associated with that," Jenkins said, arguing that some off‑road infrastructure must be constructed to protect downstream neighbors as work proceeds.

Committee members pressed for clarifying documentation: written confirmation from the state reviewer (Michelle) that tribal consultation was not required for the school‑for‑the‑deaf parcels, clearer maps and images tied to the report, a cited permit number from the CPRC record, and a firm schedule for the final report. One member said monitoring should include any ground disturbance during the initial construction phase and proposed a monitoring buffer of 100 feet from site boundaries.

After lengthy discussion about monitoring scope and outstanding laboratory results, a committee member moved to remove the interim report from approval, specify the committee’s conditions in writing, and withhold approval of the larger project until the final report is submitted, reviewed and approved by the ARC. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

The applicant and staff agreed to provide a revised interim/final report, include additional images and clarifying maps, and add the requested permit citation and a date for final report completion. The committee requested that the applicant forward the final edits to staff before the letter is sent to the applicant.