Mesilla trustees approve multiple planning cases and road-grant resolutions; conditions attached

At the March 24 regular meeting Mesilla trustees approved multiple planning and grant items, taking votes on three P&Z/HAC cases and two resolution grant applications.

Subdivision (PzHAC Case 061956, 2750 Old Farm Road): Staff (Eddie Salazar, Community Development) explained the property is a recently rezoned 3-acre R-1 parcel proposed to be split into three 1‑acre lots via an alternate-procedure subdivision because the access (Old Farm Road) is a private road. Salazar told trustees the applicant understands water meters will be placed at University Avenue and that property owners will be responsible for extending utilities from that point; sewer access is not immediately available and the owner asked about wells and septic in the interim. The board voted to approve Case 061956 with the understanding that utility responsibilities and the proposed driveway-access easement would be resolved in the replat process.

Pergolas (PzHAC Case 061964, 2310 Avenida De Mesilla): The board approved a conditional permit for two metal-roof pergolas at a property in the historic commercial zone. Salazar said the south pergola sits within approximately 3 feet of the property line and therefore requires an executed right-of-entry form from the neighboring owner; the plan must also meet state and municipal building and fire-code standards prior to issuance of a building permit.

La Posta entry, parking and conceptual addition (PzHAC Case 061965): Trustees approved construction of entry and exit sites between La Posta and its parking lot and repaving of the lot. The application also included a conceptual small addition and patio/gathering area; planning staff and trustees emphasized that conceptual approval does not substitute for finalized plan sets. The board conditioned approval on follow-up submissions: full plans, department signoffs (fire, CID, building), and—because the property is in the historic commercial zone—coordination with SHPO/best-practice guidance for historic alterations.

Resolutions for road projects: The board approved Resolution 2025-23 (2026 application, match-waiver request) to pursue funding for Paisano Road reconstruction (design and construction for resurfacing/restriping) and Resolution 2025-24 (2026 TPF planning/design application with match-waiver request) to pursue planning and design for widening and improvements along the identified corridor. Trustees noted both awards would proceed to MPO ranking and that public engagement would be part of the planning if funding is obtained.

Next steps: For the P&Z items, staff will collect final plan sets and conditions (right-of-entry forms, building/fire/CID approvals, easements and utility plans) and bring required permits back as appropriate. For the road projects, staff will proceed with MPO application requirements and public outreach if the grants advance.