Planning & Zoning approves two rezonings and two plats; Balmain and Alameda plats among items passed

The City of Socorro Planning and Zoning Commission voted on multiple land-use actions during its May 19 meeting, approving two rezoning requests and two plats.

Rezoning and votes: Planning staff presented a rezoning request for Tract 15E, Block 10 at 11159 Alameda Avenue to change zoning from M-1 (light industrial) to GMU (general mixed use) to allow commercial and residential development. Staff recommended approval and the commission voted to approve the rezoning. Commissioners recorded a voice vote in favor; no nays or abstentions were recorded.

The commission also approved a rezoning for Lot 16, Block 13 at 11820 Flor Del Sol from R-1 (single-family residential) to R-2 (medium-density residential) to permit a duplex on the 0.52-acre lot; staff recommended approval and the motion passed by voice vote.

Plats: The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the preliminary plat for the Balmain Commercial Center, a roughly 45-acre proposal that would create 10 lots, two ponds and two street extensions, and staff recommended approval. The commission also approved the combined preliminary/final plat for the Alameda Center Subdivision (approximately 43,560 square feet total), a project the applicant described as a high-end coffee shop with a drive-through and an expected 12‑month construction timeline after permitting.

How commissioners voted: The meeting record shows four commissioners present for votes; motions were made and seconded and each item passed by voice vote with all present concurring. The meeting record did not list a roll-call tally by name for every vote, but participants who voted in favor during the public audio were the four commissioners present.

Next steps: Approved plats will proceed to the permitting process; the commission will continue to refine the UDC in subsequent meetings, where staff said it will incorporate feedback gathered during the May 19 workshop.