The proposed “Las Estancias” shopping center in the South Valley isn’t eligible for an economic-development grant, Bernalillo County has determined.
The County Commission narrowly agreed in November to move forward with negotiations to award the project $1.5 million for street improvements, though there was debate over whether it qualified legally for economic-development funds.
The county’s Legal Department has since determined the project isn’t eligible, County Commission Chairman Art De La Cruz said Wednesday.
De La Cruz still supports the project and says he has asked county attorneys to see whether there are other ways to help. The city government, he said, has made street improvements in similar circumstances to aid development. He also broached the idea of having the developers submit an amended application.
In any case, De La Cruz said the county’s involvement is uncertain and that commission approval would be required.
“The vast majority (of people) in the South Valley are very anxious to see this development happen,” he said. “It’s kind of unfortunate that we’ve been unable to move quicker, but we have to do the right thing and make sure we dot our i’s and cross our t’s.”
De La Cruz said it was the county staff who had suggested the idea of an economic-development grant in the first place.
The state’s Local Economic Development Act allows such grants for projects that fall into at least one of eight categories, such as manufacturing, farmers’ markets or redevelopment. The county’s Legal Department determined the Las Estancias project, based on what’s known at this point, didn’t fall into any of the proper categories, officials said.
It’s not clear how that decision will affect the project’s viability or schedule.
The 79-acre project is to include a big-box retailer, restaurants, medical offices and a movie theater. The application team includes developers Mike Mechenbier and Steve Maestas.
The Journal wasn’t able to reach Maestas for comment.
The commission voted 3-2 last year to allow grant negotiations to go forward. Joining De La Cruz in favor were Michelle Lujan Grisham and Michael Wiener. Against it were Wayne Johnson and Maggie Hart Stebbins.
The project would have had to come back for final approval.
Now, however, De La Cruz said, “I’m asking staff to explore other options.”
— This article appeared on page C2 of the Albuquerque Journal
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