ABQjournal: Development Concerns Neighbors By Rory McClannahan, Journal Staff Writer
Neighbors of a proposed business and housing development at Paradise and Eagle Ranch would like to see its buildings constructed a little closer to the ground.
Interstate Development Company is proposing to develop a 426,000-square-foot village center called Fountain Hills Plaza on 36 acres. The development, which would be done in six phases, would include retail and office space, a hotel and two condominiums. The hotel and condos are proposed to be six-story buildings, according to plans submitted to the city’s Planning Department.
On Tuesday, Interstate Development officials met with about 70 residents at the Taylor Ranch Community Center.
Although many residents at the meeting said they are concerned about a possible increase in traffic and the overall site plan, the height of the hotel and condominiums received the most scrutiny.
“When you build a new development you have to make it fit in,” said Peggy Everett, a neighboring resident. “This proposal is out of the character for the West Side.”
Everett and representatives of neighborhoods bordering the proposed development called on Interstate Development to eliminate the six-story buildings because their height is contrary to several West Side planning documents developed by the city. Those documents state that building heights on the West Side should not exceed 26 feet. …
The plan also includes a central plaza with a large fountain, which could serve as an outdoor meeting space and for entertainment and arts events, Nelson said.
He said the fountain will be similar to ones outside the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
“No joke,” Nelson said. “We are going to do that here.”
He acknowledged that the development could cause traffic problems …. Measures could include widening Paradise to six lanes, he said.
Some of us worry about Albuquerque becoming another Phoenix or Los Angeles. Now we have to worry about it becoming another Las Vegas, NV — a giant waterhog in the desert. mjh