Alamogordo's Long Awaited Housing Expansion Causes Debate: Get the Facts

Alamogordo’s long-awaited housing expansion is officially underway with multiple projects in final phases of development.

From single family homes to apartment development to include a development specifically tailored for military personnel each show robust development in the small city of Alamogordo after years of underdevelopment. 

A development that has caused some recent controversy is the Patriot Point apartment development. This development is proposed as a 114-unit gated townhome complex backed by a $21 million federal loan. The project promises to ease the city’s decades-long housing shortage — but it comes with a steep cost to public revenue. At Tuesday's upcoming city commission meeting one of the more contentious items on the agenda is a resolution that would collaborate with the County and provide 7 years of tax abatement to a developer from out of state that is seeking to develop Patriot Pointe Apartment Complex...
https://alamogordonm.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2996/files/attachment/13314.

Before we go deeper into discussion around the Patriot Pointe, lets review what other developments are ongoing or in process around the city of Alamogordo based on public records, real estate listings, and developer updates:

1. Maricopa Trail Homes

Location: Just off Florida Avenue

Status: Active new construction

Details: Multiple 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath homes ranging from 1,800 to 2,200+ sq ft Price Range: $277K–$339K

Notes: These homes are part of a growing residential corridor east of White Sands Blvd, offering proximity to schools and shopping 

2. Plain View Subdivision

Location: Near Maricopa Trail and Florida Ave

Status: Active sales and construction

Details: Homes starting in the low $300Ks• Notes: Market-rate single-family homes with modern layouts and energy-efficient features.

3. Mesa Village

Location: Near Acacia Drive (northwest Alamogordo)

Status: Ongoing construction and home sales

Notes: Master-planned community with homes starting in the mid-$300Ks One of the largest active ongoing actively developing subdivisions in the city.

4. Las Lomas Subdivision

Location: West of Scenic Drive

Status: New builds underway

Notes: Homes starting in the $450Ks Upscale homes with larger lots and mountain views

5. Somerset Subdivision Phase 1

Location: Off of Hamilton Road 

Status: Infrastructure development in final phase.

Note: Project calls for higher-density housing with projected pricing in the low to mid $200ks.

Apartments or multfamily developments...

After decades of limited multifamily development, Alamogordo is now witnessing the rise of two major apartment projects — each with distinct goals, designs, and community impacts. Its been 25 years since the last apartment development.

The Patriot Point Apartments and the Sendero Apartments represent a turning point in how the city addresses housing needs tied to military growth, workforce expansion, and long-standing shortages.

Patriot Point: Townhomes with County Championed Tax Tradeoffs

Approved earlier this year, Patriot Point is a 114-unit gated townhome complex located at 305 Moonglow Avenue. Backed by a $21 million federal loan, the development promises upscale amenities including a clubhouse, gym, theater room, business center, and a family-friendly pool and playground. It’s designed to serve both military families and the general public, with a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units.
But the project’s approved but the developer is demanding a significant tax incentive: a 7-year property tax abatement.

According to public document estimates, this would defer over $1.13 million in local tax revenue. The County Commission’s pushing the City of Alamogordo and the Alamogordo Public Schools to approve  7-year property tax abatement for Patriot Point. 
 
Potential Eatimated Tax Revenue Loss by Entity 

7-Year Loss Alamogordo Public Schools $480,396,  City of Alamogordo $332,563 Otero County $325,409

Total Deferred Revenue $1,138,368

These figures are based on New Mexico’s 1/3 property assessment rule and current mill rates from Otero County’s 2024 tax certificate.

While city leaders argue the abatement is necessary to attract large-scale development, critics worry about the short-term impact on classrooms, city services, and county programs. 

The developer has expressed interest in partnering with local nonprofits to support low-income housing initiatives, though no formal affordability provisions are currently built into the project.

As Alamogordo prepares for the debate around tax abatements for Patriot Point Apartments — a 114-unit gated townhome complex — questions are emerging about affordability and access. While the development promises upscale amenities and modern living, its projected rental rates place it firmly in the market-rate category, with little indication of income-based pricing.

According to developer estimates and regional comparisons, rents are expected to range from $950 to $1,100 for one-bedroom units, $1,150 to $1,350 for two-bedrooms, and $1,400 to $1,650 for three-bedroom townhomes. These figures reflect the premium nature of the complex, which will include a clubhouse, gym, theater room, pool, playground, EV charging stations, and 24-hour maintenance.

Additional fees — including application charges, pet deposits, and utility billing — may push monthly costs even higher for families. While the developer has expressed interest in partnering with nonprofits to support low-income housing initiatives, no formal affordability provisions have been announced.

Proposed Sendero Apartments: Military-Focused and Sustainability-Driven

Meanwhile, the Sendero Apartments are quietly advancing toward construction within city limits, though the exact parcel has not yet been publicly disclosed. This project would answer the city's need for housing tailored specifically to the military and future growth of personnel at Holloman.

Developed by the Military Housing Authority (MHA), Sendero is designed specifically for Holloman Air Force Base personnel and their families.

The complex will feature solar-powered units, private bedrooms and bathrooms, shared kitchens with high-end finishes, and a secure layout with surveillance infrastructure. 

Amenities include a clubhouse, pool, covered parking, and high-speed internet — all tailored to the needs of active-duty service members.

Unlike Patriot Point, Sendero is not expected to rely on local tax abatements. Its funding structure is federally managed, and its rent model is likely to reflect military housing allowances, making it more accessible to enlisted personnel. However, it is not formally classified as affordable housing under HUD or state guidelines.

In the multi-family housing sector Alamogordo faces  Two Paths, One Challenge.

Together, Patriot Point and Sendero mark a new chapter in Alamogordo’s housing strategy. One project leans into public-private incentives to attract broad market renters; the other focuses on military readiness and sustainability. Both aim to relieve pressure on a rental market that has hovered near full occupancy for years. As the city debates whether to incentivize housing growth through tax abatements and zoning changes, transparency around rent levels and affordability commitments will be essential to be made public for consideration. Additional consideration must be given to what truly defines a derelict neighborhood designation triggering incentives for future development.

Patriot Point may bring new housing stock, but its long-term value to the community will depend on who it truly serves and is an important consideration to be debated. 

The Alamogordo City Commission will meet on Tuesday at 530 at City Hall. Public comments are welcome. The resolution in question is linked below:

https://alamogordonm.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2996/files/attachment/13314.

Public comments may also be emailed to the commissioners and the City Clerks office at: rhughs@ci.alamogordo.nm.us

Source Appendix: Alamogordo Housing Developments & Tax Incentives

The Patriot Point Apartments project was presented to the Alamogordo City Commission in early 2024. According to meeting summaries compiled by CitizenPortal.ai, the developer proposed a 114-unit gated complex featuring a clubhouse, gym, pool, and EV charging stations. The project is backed by a $21 million federal loan and received preliminary approval for a 7-year property tax abatement under New Mexico’s “blighted property” designation.

Local reporting from the Alamogordo Daily News, KALHRadio.org  and AlamogordoTownNews.org highlighted community concerns about whether the site truly qualifies as blighted. The tax abatement would exempt the developer from paying property taxes to the city, county, and school district for seven years. Based on the 2024 Otero County mill rates—9.804 mills for Alamogordo Public Schools, 6.787 mills for the city, and 6.641 mills for the county—the total foregone revenue could exceed $1 million over the abatement period.

Market-rate rents for similar units in Alamogordo range from $950 to $1,650 per month, according to RentCafe and Zillow listings. These figures suggest the development is not intended for low-income residents or subsidized housing.

In contrast, the Sendero Apartments—located near Holloman Air Force Base—are solar-powered and offer shared kitchens, high-speed internet, and recreational amenities. According to the Military Housing Authority and Holloman AFB Housing Office, Sendero is designed for active-duty personnel and does not receive local tax abatements.

Other residential developments underway in Alamogordo include Mesa Village by French Brothers, the Somerset Subdivision (currently under review for Planned Unit Development status), and new builds in Las Lomas, Montecito Estates, and Canyon Draw. These projects are confirmed through city planning documents and active listings on Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com..

 Disclaimer

This article is intended to provide factual context for public discussion and civic engagement. All information is based on publicly available sources as of 2024–2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to verify details with official city records and independent investigation. 

Methodology

Sources were selected based on relevance, credibility, and public accessibility. These include:

Official city commission meeting summaries and planning documents

Local news coverage from Alamogordo Daily News, KALHRadio.org and AlamogordoTownNews.org 

Real estate platforms such as Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com

Government-issued tax rate certificates from Otero County

Developer websites and military housing authorities

Where possible, multiple sources were cross-referenced to confirm project scope, financial incentives, and community impact.

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