Rio Rancho City Council unanimously approves multifamily housing development

RIO RANCHO — The Rio Rancho City Council approved a multifamily housing development earlier this month, much to the dismay of neighboring residents.

Amare Rio Rancho — a multifamily development complex — will be built on the southwest corner of 19th Street and Black Arroyo. City officials said more housing options are needed in Rio Rancho. But residents in the neighborhood came to a City Council meeting earlier this month to share their grievances with councilors and developers.

“As a homeowner in the neighborhood, I’m stating the density of 128 homes and development of rental units is not consistent with the neighborhood and would not complement or advance the area,” said Arnie Vehrs, who owns a home nearby. Vehrs filed to appeal the process, which cost $100.

The complex would feature 128 homes built in single-story, two-story and townhome style. The side of the complex adjacent to the residential neighborhood would have single-story homes to blend in with the community. The further the complex is from the neighborhood, the taller the homes would be, said Amy Rincon, director of development services in Rio Rancho.

“I believe it would erode the current quality of lifestyle and I believe it would significantly and measurably increase traffic at intersections,” Vehrs said.

To reduce potential traffic concerns, developers with Amare Rio Rancho proposed two additional roads that would be built in conjunction with the complex.

“That will provide a direct connection and fix the wonky intersection of Wellspring and that is a key component of the project,” said Jim Strozier, president of Consensus Planning, a planning and consulting firm working on the project.

The road project would only come to fruition if the housing complex is completed. The project is also dependent on Albuquerque officials because portions of Black Arroyo and Unser are in Albuquerque.

An ongoing traffic study by the developers showed there would be a 132% increase in traffic with an estimated 600 additional cars going through Albuquerque residential streets.

Councilors unanimously approved the project .

“In my opinion, the project’s been well thought-out,” Councilor Bob Tyler said. “I like how your client has listened to the community and addressed some of the concerns.”