In a recent zoning commission meeting in Las Cruces, community members expressed significant concerns regarding proposed changes to the Organ Mesa Ranch development. The discussions centered around the potential increase in the number of homesites from the originally approved 82 to an additional 53, raising fears about the impact on local infrastructure and community character.

One resident highlighted confusion over the identity of TPJ Investments, the developer, noting that their branding as a mobile home park developer in Florida was misleading. This resident emphasized the importance of transparency in signage and communication regarding the development's nature.

Concerns were also raised about the implications of allowing a public sewer system, which could enable a higher density of homes—potentially up to 350 homes on the site. The resident urged the commission to adhere to the original zoning approval from 2002, which was based on careful assessments of soil, slopes, and drainage, and to limit the project to the originally sanctioned 82 homesites.

Patricia Higdon, a long-term resident of Organ Mesa Ranch, echoed these sentiments, questioning the motivations behind the zoning change and suggesting that it would primarily benefit a small group of individuals rather than the broader community. She urged the commission to deny the request for additional homesites, citing a recommendation from city staff to do the same.

Deanna Keenan, another local resident, emphasized the importance of public safety and welfare in the decision-making process, reinforcing the community's desire for careful consideration of the proposed changes.

The commission is expected to weigh these community concerns against the developers' proposals as they deliberate on the future of the Organ Mesa Ranch project.