Development proposals highlight need for detailed city growth plan

A couple of development proposals currently being considered in Las Cruces are creating some interesting politics.

Developer Ken Thurston wants to build more than 1,200 homes north of the city and have it annexed into the city. Naturally, many rural residents in the area don’t like the idea. They want their area to remain rural.

Developer Philip Philippou wants to develop the land where the Las Cruces Country Club is currently located as the country club moves to a Philippou development on the East Mesa. Naturally, the urban residents who are accustomed to a quiet country club as a neighbor don’t want condos and shops to take its place.

Doña Ana County’s commissioners oppose the process by which Thurston wants to develop, which would bypass the board on which three commissioners sit that approves developments in a zone around the city limits.

City Councilor Ken Miyagishima, whose district includes the country club, says the city should use whatever means are necessary, even taking some of the country club land, to keep it as a park. Mayor Bill Mattiace said the city won’t use that option on his watch.

This is all part of the normal politics of development in a fast-growing city. We’re sprawling, mostly toward the east. As we develop, we have to find the right balance between creating suburbs and more density in the inner city.

City, county and school district leaders need to get together and, with public input, decide how to control growth. Do we have the room (and water) to sprawl at an unlimited rate, and is that desirable? Do we need to focus on smart development of the vacant land in the city limits?

How do we plan for parks and schools and clinics and recreation centers and other public services as we grow?

Many believe the city isn’t doing a good job at all of this. As fast as we’re growing, it’s nearly an impossible task, especially without better cooperation between the city, county and school district.

So much of the planning is left to the developers, upon whom the city council relies.

A better master plan for development that addresses these issues would give city councilors and developers guidelines as they grow Las Cruces into the future.