Developer asks Rio Rancho to reconsider Orchard Park master plan, offers to dedicate three-acre neighborhood park

Jared Leiker, speaking for AMRAP Southwest, asked the Rio Rancho governing body to reconsider the Orchard Park master plan denial from April 9 and said the developer has submitted a written response to concerns raised at that hearing.

"We are formally requesting a reconsideration of the Orchard Park Master Plan which was denied on April 9," Leiker said. He told the council the developer had previously received staff and Planning and Zoning Board recommendations for approval and asked staff to include the company's written responses in the official record.

To address concerns raised during the earlier hearing, Leiker offered an enhanced community benefit: AMRAP would provide and dedicate to the city a neighborhood park of at least three contiguous acres with the amenities required by the development process manual. "We're willing to accept the condition of approval, requiring AMRAP to provide a neighborhood park of at least 3 contiguous acres," Leiker said, adding the dedication would exceed the park area otherwise required for a subdivision of this size.

Leiker asked the council to follow the city’s procedures for reconsideration so the project can proceed with the enhanced community benefits he outlined. He thanked the mayor and congratulated the incoming mayor and governing body members before leaving the podium.

The request was presented during the public-comment period; council did not take immediate action on the request during this meeting. The materials Leiker said he submitted to staff were requested to be added to the official record for future consideration.