Las Cruces City Council votes on rezoning land for rumored Wal-Mart

Las Cruces City Council votes 7-0 against rezoning land for rumored Wal-Mart. The idea of a proposed grocery store and gas station didn’t sit well with members of council and the community.

The 7.3 acres of land near Tashiro and Valley Drive is in a growing area, next to Mayfield High School and a proposed sports facility. City officials said a traffic study may need to be completed, but that’ll be determined as the project moves forward. City officials voiced concerns over traffic and congestion in the area, if a grocery store of its size opens its doors.

However, those for the land argued a zone change to allow the business–will create growth.

Others who spoke at the meeting disagreed and believed the land should stay as is– agricultural land. The property’s owner, Dr. Aday said farming is becoming non viable in that area, which is why he and his family have looked at selling the land.

“We’re not experts at developing, we’re not experts at traffic control, infrastructure design…for those reasons, we’ve been happy with those who have approached us and feel it would be a positive,” Dr. Aday said.

After hours of discussion–council voted against rezoning land.

Dr. Aday did not have a comment on decision and declined an interview. Local business owners, including Jerry Silva, the co-owner of Save Mart, said they can breathe a sigh of relief, for now.

“I’m relieved, I’m happy, I know it’s not done, Wal-mart lawyers were there, so it’s something that’s not going to go away,” Silva said.

The land will remain agricultural land and the business will not be allowed to locate there.