Chandler Tank seeding to cost Las Cruces taxpayers $59,000

A botched weed removal project will cost Las Cruces taxpayers $59,000, the city’s manager confirmed.

“Well, when you rip out all the vegetation and there’s nothing left for the wildlife to live in, I would say that it was a disaster,” said Councilman Gill Sorg, who represents District 5.

There was supposed to be a weed removal project at the drainage area near U.S. 70 and Sonoma Ranch Boulevard last October. However, the city’s contractor mistakenly removed all the vegetation in the area, frustrating neighbors.

“I have no idea (why they did it),” said Emmanuel Almeraz in October, who lives across the street. They didn’t even tell us they were going to do it, they just came in and did it.”

Sorg acknowledged that the money could have gone elsewhere.

“Yeah, we could have used it for more recreational opportunities for the citizens in the district,” Sorg said.

A new contractor is finishing up seeding the area this week, however, he said it will likely be a couple years before the new vegetation grows.

“Give it some time,” said Mike Gaglio with High Desert Native Plants, L.L.C. “This is not an overnight situation. We live in the desert.”

Sorg is confident that one day, the area will be used for recreational purposes. He also hopes wildlife creatures will return to their previous habitat.

“I want (neighbors) to have a place where they can watch their wildlife,” Sorg said. “But also have a place where they can walk and enjoy the outdoors, get the exercise they want.”