Council approves Wal‑Mart master‑plan amendment to add gas station at Venada Plaza

The Town of Bernalillo Governing Body voted on Aug. 12, 2024, to approve Ordinance 355, amending the Venada Plaza Shopping Center master plan to permit a gas station and convenience store and to modify parking at the Wal‑Mart parcel at 460 NM Highway 528.

Stephanie Shumsky, who presented the item, said the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval at its June 4 meeting and noted the amendment applies specifically to the Wal‑Mart parcel to allow a gas station and change the parking layout. "This was introduced to the Town Council on July 8th with the Ordinance that's in front of you, including the findings that are in the Ordinance," she said.

Taylor Smith, a consultant from Galloway & Company representing the applicant, answered Council questions. When Mayor Torres asked whether the proposed gas station would include an RV dump station, Mr. Smith replied plainly: "No there will not be one." Mayor Torres also asked whether ingress or egress off NM‑528 would change; the applicant said the project will relocate an access easement to accommodate the building and showed the change on the site plan in the packet.

There were no speakers from the public during the hearing. Councilor Torres‑Quintana moved to approve Ordinance 355; Councilor Valverde seconded and the ordinance passed on a unanimous roll call.

The ordinance amends the special‑use zoning and the master plan for the approximately 20.8‑acre Venada Plaza Lot 2 and includes findings prepared for the Council. Staff noted that the site plan will undergo building‑permit review to confirm compliance with master‑plan and planning commission requirements.

Planning materials in the packet list site adjustments, parking reductions and required compliance steps before construction activity begins.