Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bernalillo council grants 12‑month extension for Venada Plaza Lot 5B master plan
Summary
The council approved a request from Vital Holdings LLC to extend the special‑use master plan for Venada Plaza Lot 5B by 12 months to July 9, 2025, citing market and financing delays. Staff noted outstanding site requirements including water‑rights transfer, drainage reviews and utility capacity checks.
The Town of Bernalillo on July 8 approved a 12‑month extension for Ordinance 341, the Venada Plaza master plan for Lot 5B, after the property owner requested more time to meet development conditions.
Planning and Zoning Director Stephanie Shumsky summarized the request and said the applicant, Vital Holdings LLC (represented in the record by Vincent Martinez), asked for a 12‑month extension to July 9, 2025. The minutes include an email excerpt from Martinez noting development delays tied to higher interest rates and market conditions: “Because of increased interest rate ... we've been delayed in processing the design and planning of the apartment complex.” Council approved the extension by unanimous roll call.
What the extension covers: Condition of approval #11 in Ordinance 341 (the master plan approval) states that in the event uses authorized in the S‑U zone do not develop within 12 months the S‑U site plan shall be cancelled and the area revert to SU for Shopping Center zoning without a master plan. The extension preserves the S‑U master plan status for another year while the applicant advances planning and permitting.
Outstanding requirements and staff guidance: Planning staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission findings and conditions attached to the ordinance identify a set of required next steps before building permits can be signed off. Those items include: submission and approval of a Grading & Drainage Plan and coordination with SSCAFCA for discharge to the Venada Arroyo; demonstration of sewer capacity at Santiago and Westside lift stations (the town will determine if additional capacity is needed); installation of a pressure‑reducing valve to address high system pressure; a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and NPDES permit (because the site exceeds one acre); floodplain permits and elevation certificates where structures are in the floodplain; and transfer of water rights to the Town per the town’s water‑rights rules prior to building‑permit sign‑off.
The council’s action preserves the developer’s entitlement for another year but leaves the detailed technical and water‑rights conditions in place for staff review and final approval.
What happens next: staff will continue permitting review and the developer must satisfy the listed requirements (drainage, water rights, utility capacity and other permits) before substantial construction can proceed. If the site fails to develop within the extension period, the S‑U site plan could be cancelled under the ordinance’s condition.
