Environmental Planning Commission votes on Westside airport expansion

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – While Albuquerque works to expand the Westside’s Double Eagle Airport, there are growing concerns from some neighbors about the potential of taller buildings that could reshape the area’s desert landscape.

The city has been considering a plan to allow for up to 85-foot-tall buildings at Double Eagle, right across from the Petroglyph National Monument. On Thursday, neighbors and nearby tribes pushed back against the idea.

“We feel this considered development attempt will jeopardize the cultural beauty of the petroglyphs which is an (inaudible) sacred site,” says Berniditte Hardy, a concerned resident.

Earlier this year, the city drew up new ideas in a master plan that would allow for taller buildings. On Thursday, the Environmental Planning Commission (EPC) reviewed the airport’s request for up to 85-foot tall structures, including buildings with no ties to airport business. Double Eagle is already looking to welcome “ Mesa Film Studios ” to the site.

Meanwhile, some surrounding neighborhood associations and tribal groups disagree with the city’s proposed building heights. They worry it could allow for big changes to the views around the West Mesa’s volcanoes.

“Therefore, this issue held no opportunity for meaningful consultation with the Pueblo nations to be informed about this impact to the sacred sites and cultural landscape,” says Alicia Krease, concerned resident and NAEVA member.

After hours of talk, the airport site plan was approved with a compromise, limiting building heights to 65 feet. “We’re enthusiastic about the opportunity to, you know, really have clarity as to how we can plan for commercial development, so the decision today is welcome,” says Manny Manriquez, Deputy Dir. for Innovation and Commercial Development, in the City of Albuquerque’s Aviation Department.

Despite Thursday’s compromise, any building taller than 65 feet could still be considered for the site, but it would need to be reviewed and approved by the city’s Environmental Planning Commission. The city’s Aviation Department added that it will continue to work with neighbors and nearby tribal communities moving forward with any on-site developments.

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