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CAMPBELL RANCH IS BACK!
EMPAC UPDATE and CALL TO ACTION
The Campbell Farming Corporation and the Town of Edgewood want to change the Campbell Ranch 2002 Master Plan again—this time without your knowledge and input.
Since fall of 2021, the East Mountain Protection Action Coalition (EMPAC) has worked to protect the East Mountain Community to prevent irresponsible development action, in particular implementation of the Campbell Farming Corporation’s (CFC) 2002 Campbell Ranch Master Plan (CRMP), in spite of past significant public opposition.
Recent activity by the CFC and the Town of Edgewood shows the Town wants to allow changes to the 2002 CRMP again, but his time without public involvement.
Here’s what’s happening:
A proposal by the Campbell Farming Corporation to modify the 2002 CRMP without public involvement and a hearing came before the Edgewood Planning and Zoning Commission at the September 19, 2024 regular meeting. The Commission was asked by then Planning and Zoning Manager, Mr. Brad Hill, to Acknowledge a Pre-Application Review of a Minor Subdivision and use it to change the Master Plan to allow subdivision inconsistent with the current Subdivision Ordinance.
A “Confidential” memo dated May 15, 2024, from the Town’s attorney to Mr. Hill recommends that the Town change the current Subdivision Ordinance to allow the CFC to change the CRMP without attracting attention of the public. She states “I make this recommendation based on the law and the likelihood that this matter will ultimately be hotly contested, maybe appealed, and/or the subject of litigation. I also think you could propose an amendment to the current ordinance—that could pass without attracting much attention” (lawyer’s underlining). See the following original document links:
Link: Confidential Campbell Ranch Letter (page 1)
Link: Confidential Campbell Ranch Letter (page 2)
Link: Edgewood P & Z Meeting Packet - Sept 19, 2024
EMPAC believes this action is intended to avoid the Public Involvement process and change the Town’s Subdivision Ordinance so the CFC can change the 2002 Master Plan without your knowledge and concern, including preventing a public hearing.
Edgewood leadership has repeatedly claimed to value transparency. The actions at the September 19 PZC demonstrate direct violation of this core value and show intent to avoid your input on a major Town development decision.
CALL TO ACTION:
The EMPAC Board asks you to immediately contact Edgewood Commissioners (505-286-4518 - Diana Williams, Cheryl Bonino, Shelly Hutchinson, Adrian Chavez, Bobby Rush) and the Planning and Zoning Manager, Mr. Brad Hill (pzmanager@edgewood-nm.gov, 505-286-4518) to voice your strong opposition to CFC changing the 2002 CRMP to allow subdivision of the property in violation of the existing Subdivision Ordinance and without hearing your voice on a change that will impact our East Mountain Community.
EMPAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting our community from irresponsible use of our resources and encourage more sustainable use. If you have questions or would like to support EMPAC’s efforts, please visit www.theempac.org or email us at info@theempac.org
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