By Tristen Critchfield
A proposed gas station in Rio Rancho has been met with strong opposition from residents of a nearby neighborhood.
Now, many of those residents are distributing flyers and gathering signatures on a petition to stop a proposed Maverik convenience store ahead of a Governing Body vote on June 25. Neighbors filed the petition, which has more than 400 signatures, with the City Clerk to fight the commercial development.
The Maverik store, which is located at the intersection of NM 528 and Obregon Road NE, was approved by Rio Rancho’s Planning and Zoning Commission during a meeting on June 9. Eleven members of the community were present to speak out against the new business, which will occupy approximately 2.06 acres and includes a 4,499 sq. ft. convenience store and six dual-sided fuel pumps.
Residents, many of whom live nearby on Monterrey Road, expressed concerns about the increased traffic, crime and noise that the gas station could potentially bring, as well as it being in close proximity to Enchanted Hills Elementary School. Another community member mentioned the possibility of contamination for those in the area who rely on well water as well as a “general decrease in the quality of life.” Almost everyone who spoke stated that another gas station and convenience store is already located across the street — making the need for another fuel option redundant.
“Logic is defied when you say you need a 50-foot gas station across from one that is already not busy and affords all the opportunities to get gas, convenience, smokes,” said resident Garrett Walker during the meeting. “…There’s no less than five more gas stations within a two-mile radius of this area.”
Despite strong criticism, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved the site plan, which was presented by City of Rio Rancho municipal planner Ben Isaacs. While most of the concern from the community came in regards to the gas station itself, that was not the primary objective of the meeting, according to Rio Rancho director of development services Amy Rincon.
“The zoning has already been in place for many years. The zoning is not up for any type of discussion at this point in time. The use is also not up for discussion,” Rincon said. “It’s only the site plan that is going to go forward to the Governing Body and for Governing Body final approval.”
Francesca De Leon, a University of New Mexico employee who spoke at the meeting, also submitted a formal letter of opposition ahead of time. She told The Paper. that community members are now organizing to oppose the gas station at the Governing Body meeting scheduled for June 25. She revealed that a petition against the Maverick, which contained at least 400 signatures as of June 14, was filed with the City Clerk.
De Leon also received a response from Rio Rancho Mayor Paul Wymer regarding the community’s concerns.
“(He said) that he needs to remain completely unbiased from all parties and weigh in on the request,” De Leon said. “He will hear both sides next week during the public hearing.”
As with the Planning and Zoning meeting, can sign up to speak at the June 25 Governing Body vote. After those affected were somewhat blindsided by the initial plans for the Maverik store, De Leon is optimistic that the community will have more representation at the upcoming session. In addition to seeking signatures, flyers have been distributed throughout nearby neighborhoods.
“We are hoping and praying that we fill up this room,” De Leon said.
There is a precedent for organized opposition to succeed in a similar instance. Earlier this year, a city zoning official in Albuquerque denied a conditional use permit to allow a Maverik to be built at a location on Carlisle Boulevard and Indian School Road. More than 400 letters of opposition were submitted by residents from nearby neighborhoods.
According to City of Rio Rancho communications specialist Ludella Awad, the purpose of the Governing Body meeting is to assess and/or verify whether the site plan for the proposed Maverik adheres to “established property zoning and other applicable zoning laws.”
“This is not a local government project,” Awad wrote in an email to The Paper. “Local government is assessing whether a private property use conforms with pre-established property zoning and other applicable zoning laws.”
A request to Maverik representatives for comment regarding the potential benefits of the gas station was not returned.
“The thought of it being moving forward just makes me sick to my stomach. It’s like our peaceful part of our neighborhood is just going to become a constant stress and anxiety every single day,” De Leon said.
Governing Body Meeting
When: June 25, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Rio Rancho City Hall
Watch: https://rrnm.gov/2303/Watch-and-Download-City-Meetings