neighbors set to battle albuquerque residential development

A new subdivision that would be built not far from the banks of the Rio Grande in Albuquerque has sparked the spirited opposition of area residents who are appealing the decision of a city board that earlier approved the project.
What is being called the Overlook at Oxbow would see the construction of 76 single-family homes on a site adjacent to the Taylor Ranch neighborhood.
The project was granted a variance request late last year by the city’s Development Review Board, and would see the demolition of a 6,000 square-foot main house on the property, as well as several smaller structures.
The new homes, measuring anywhere from 2,100 to 2,700 square feet, would be built on lots measuring 50 to 60-feet wide.
Opponents say the proposed subdivision would negatively impact the surrounding environment, and that the variance approval given by the review board was done in violation of the city’s Open Meetings Act.
Members of the Albuquerque City Council may end up hearing the appeal of the project.
As proposed, the project would go up at what is known as the San Antonio Oxbow, a 40-acre wildlife refuge maintained by Albuquerque’s Open Space Division.

By Garry Boulard

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