Alamogordo and Otero County Collaborating on Redevelopment Plan

ALAMOGORDO, NM — After years of stalled progress, and mounting pressure from residents, military leaders and developers Alamogordo’s housing shortfall may get a boost. In a landmark move, the Otero County Commission moved forward to initiate steps to designate a metropolitan redevelopment area and authorize a seven-year tax abatement for the project known as the Patriot Pointe Apartments.

The decision follows a resolution passed last week by the Alamogordo City Commission that cleared the air on accountability related to fiscal responsibility for any lawsuits that could be filed as a result of the designation. This marks the first formal collaboration between city and county leaders on a shared redevelopment strategy in recent years.

County Attorney RB Nichols in his comments to the commission and the public emphasized that the process remains in its early stages or infancy and is far from final.

For the last decade Alamogordo has faced a chronic shortage of affordable and workforce housing. Despite population growth and the presence of Holloman Air Force Base, multifamily development lags behind regional trends especially related to affordable housing.

The Patriot Pointe project—a proposed 114-unit gated townhome complex backed by a $21 million federal loan—has emerged as a flashpoint in the city’s housing debate due to questions of affordability and being driven by and out of state developer. As reported by AlamogordoTownNews.org, the development promises modern amenities but there are questions on affordability. The project has drawn scrutiny for its request of full tax abatement.

Developers have defended the project as a necessary step toward expanding housing opportunities. “We’ve waited too long for meaningful housing expansion,” one commissioner noted recently.

The county commission meeting also included a solemn 9/11 remembrance.
During public comments resident Reinhart Sherman called for stricter OHV regulations.

The highest profile issue considered in the meeting was around the Patriot Pointe project. The next few weeks efforts by the county may serve as a litmus test for whether collaboration between the county and city can occur.

The public will be watching if county commissioner, Amy Barela will put civility ahead of political jabs at city leadership and rise to the challenge and end the divisive political rhetoric that has plagued the city/county leadership structure. 

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