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Mesilla Park residents push back after code-enforcement letters; town staff proposes review and outreach
Summary
Residents at the Board of Trustees meeting objected to letters sent to about 32 Mesilla Park properties over hazardous tree limbs, calling the 14-day language threatening and asking the town to clarify right‑of‑way ownership, offer assistance, and hold a work session.
At the Town of Mesilla Board of Trustees meeting on Aug. 10, multiple Mesilla Park residents criticized recent code‑enforcement letters about hazardous trees and vegetation, saying the notices felt threatening and were sent without clear outreach. A resident who spoke during public comment asked for options other than enforcement, including extensions and cooperative approaches to maintenance.
Community development staff, represented by Salazar, said the letters aimed to address public‑safety risks after a limb failure and warned that the town’s code enforcement authority allows abatement actions; he acknowledged problems with the letter wording and the outreach and said staff would work with the town attorney, consider a work session or public hearing, and clarify options for residents. “I did instruct him to go out there and then make sure to obey any violation because we were concerned,” Salazar said, noting the initial letters were written under his direction and that staff will refine communication.
Residents repeatedly pressed staff to explain who owns the parkway and whether the town would require property takings, conveyances, or a parkway designation; several speakers said they had maintained the front strips for decades and do not want town ownership or sidewalks imposed. Summer Rose Nolan, who identified herself at the podium, described lost privacy and a lost sound barrier after University Avenue work and urged collaborative solutions. Virginia Martin, another commenter, said, “There is no noise barrier anymore for our neighborhood,” testing the balance between safety and neighbor trust.
Trustees and staff agreed to pull legal and property records, involve the town attorney, and consider a public work session so the board and residents can examine the right‑of‑way, liability questions, and possible support measures before pursuing enforcement. No new enforcement action was announced at the meeting; staff recommended further coordination and clearer communications to restore trust.
