Article looks at growth’s impact on infrastructure

As part of its continuing series on growth and development, the Las Cruces Sun-News today examined the impact on roads and other infrastructure.

There was nothing surprising in the article, but it was still important to point out the difficulties in extending city services as the city grows. The two biggest challenges are roads and sewer.

As a result, many people on the city’s fringes, particularly on the East Mesa, live on dirt roads that are difficult to traverse after rain storms, and they have septic tanks.

In general, developers are responsible for initial infrastructure costs when they apply for city development approval. But what about areas, like those north of Highway 70 on the East Mesa, where homes already exist? They aren’t being annexed because of the costs of improving the infrastructure that would come with annexation.

No matter who puts in the roads, the city has to maintain them later. In theory, the increased population should bring in more tax revenue that should pay for such upkeep.

The article didn’t really touch on other infrastructure like parks and police and fire stations. In the case of the development that’s spurring the current controversy, The Vistas at Presidio, it’s important to note that the city fire department’s union has endorsed the project because of the public safety facilities the developer has committed to build.

The city council is set to vote on approval of that development Monday.

Check out the article when you get a chance.