Las Cruces officials consider building affordable housing in vacant lot

Officials with the city of Las Cruces are considering a number of options for improving a vacant lot near Sierra Middle School, including affordable housing.

“We’re probably opposing it,” said Martha Trujillo, who lives directly behind the lot.

“When you sprinkle affordable housing in with market housing, property values go up,” said Las Cruces City Manager Stuart Ed. “This community desperately needs housing.” ​​

The city will gather public input at Sierra Middle School on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. and again on Saturday at 4 p.m.

“We want to ask the community what it is that they’re looking for in their neighborhood and… be sure to incorporate that into the final plan,” Ed said.

The four-and-a-half acre lot was recently acquired by the city from the school district.

Yolanda Placencio, who also lives behind the lot, offered another suggestion.

“The kids need a park,” Placencio said. “I don’t think it’s been enough for housing, you know, but the park would be wonderful.”​