Commission approves rezoning of 8.9-acre parcel at 8th St. and Dona Ana Rd. for 40 houses

On June 15, 2026 the Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to rezone an 8.9‑acre parcel at the northeast corner of 8th Street and Dona Ana Road (UPC 3051139496494) from commercial to A‑4 residential. Commissioner Alan Briley moved to approve the rezoning request from applicant Julio Zuniga; Commissioner Steve Fox seconded and the motion passed on a unanimous roll-call vote.

Staff presented an initial plan showing about 40 new houses and said the plan met A‑4 yard standards as proposed. Public Works Director David McSherry told the commission utilities would need to be extended down the streets to serve the development and that no alleys are planned. Commissioners Briley and Fox expressed concern about converting a parcel shown as commercial on the master plan into residential use; those policy concerns were discussed during the hearing. Municipal Clerk Karen Reed confirmed legal notice for the hearing had been posted, stating, "Yes, they have." The commission's written order will be filed with municipal and county clerks and is subject to appeal to District Court within 30 calendar days under NMSA 1978 39-3-1.1.C.

D Lloyd Haynes, the current owner, told the commission he had originally planned storage units for the site but said he is selling the parcel to Mr. Zuniga because the storage project is no longer necessary. The rezoning clears the local land‑use approval; any required utility extensions and final subdivision engineering remain to be completed before building permits could be issued.