Oil and Gas Group Doesn’t Feel Welcome in Santa Fe

New Mexico Oil and Gas officials said they’re mulling over their options following the Santa Fe City Council’s decision Wednesday to deny the group a zoning change that would have brought its east Santa Fe office into compliance with local regulations.

The association had asked the city to rezone its 0.16 acre property at 203 East Santa Fe Ave. near the Roundhouse from residential to residential arts and crafts. The group also asked for a special use permit for a professional office building.

“We’re disappointed in the council’s decision. We feel we’ve been a good neighbor and a responsible occupant of the house the association purchased for administrative headquarters,” association president Steve Henke said.

The group doesn’t feel “welcome” in Santa Fe, he added.

The association purchased the East Santa Fe Ave. home in 2004 and the city granted it a home occupation office use later that year. In 2011, the city cited the association because the person listed as the location’s business owner- former association president Bob Gallagher – wasn’t living at the property and the number of association employees was more than the home occupation use designation allowed. The association then requested a zoning change.

A number of area residents spoke against the association’s request at Wednesday’s council meeting, expressing concerns that included what they perceive as the commercialization of their residential neighborhood.