Otero County Commission Update  Sheriff Black Delivers Detailed Report, Patriot Point MRA Public Hearing Advances

Alamogordo, New Mexico – February 10, 2026 – The Otero County Commission held its regular meeting Tuesday, with the agenda featuring a public hearing on the Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) Plan for the Patriot Point housing project at 305 Moonglow Street in Alamogordo, alongside a comprehensive report from Sheriff David Black on January law enforcement activities.

Patriot Point Metropolitan Redevelopment Plan Public Hearing

The meeting opened with a public hearing on the proposed MRA Plan for Patriot Point, a 114-unit gated multifamily housing development on approximately 5.95 acres. No public comments were received during the session. County officials confirmed that a second public hearing will be scheduled later this month, providing another opportunity for input before the commission considers formal adoption of the plan.

The Patriot Point project, developed as townhome-style apartments, includes family-oriented amenities such as a clubhouse, fitness gym, theater room, business center, swimming pool, playground, outdoor grills, volleyball courts, and electric vehicle charging stations. Architectural plans from Ted Trout & Associates outline the site layout and elevations for key structures.

Backed by significant financing, including a reported $21 million federal loan with HUD guarantee elements, the development addresses ongoing housing shortages in Alamogordo and Otero County, exacerbated by high construction costs, supply chain issues, and demand linked to Holloman Air Force Base personnel and regional growth. Market analyses have projected strong occupancy potential, with unmet demand for additional units and expected stabilized rates around 95-97% after lease-up.

The MRA designation under New Mexico statutes targets revitalization of underutilized or blighted areas through incentives like property tax abatements. For Patriot Point, discussions have focused on a proposed seven-year abatement, potentially deferring over $1.13 million in local revenue, as an incentive to support project feasibility and investment. The city and county have coordinated closely: Alamogordo’s commission previously approved ordinances consenting to the limited MRA (restricted to the specific Patriot Point parcel), expressing good-faith intent to cooperate, and reserving rights to impose conditions such as a groundbreaking deadline (e.g., by December 31, 2026) to ensure timely progress.

Otero County has led the MRA process, with the city providing consent for the narrowly defined area. Adoption of the plan would enable coordinated redevelopment, contributing to broader efforts to expand quality, affordable housing options in the region amid military and economic demands.

Sheriff David Black’s January Report

Sheriff Black presented a thorough overview of Otero County Sheriff’s Office operations in January, underscoring proactive enforcement, community service, and investment in personnel and technology.

Deputies handled 1,728 calls for service across the county, reflecting steady demand for law enforcement response in rural and unincorporated areas. Enforcement efforts yielded 78 traffic citations and 54 arrests, demonstrating focused attention on road safety and criminal activity.

The narcotics division remained active, executing 13 search warrants and seizing approximately $8,341 in illegal drugs. Substances recovered included methamphetamine, fentanyl, and hallucinogenic mushrooms—highlighting ongoing challenges with opioid and stimulant trafficking in the area.

A major emphasis was placed on professional development: deputies completed more than 10,000 combined hours of training, covering mandatory and advanced topics such as firearms proficiency, legal updates, sexual assault investigations, child safety protocols, and first-line supervision. This extensive training ensures deputies remain equipped to handle complex and evolving situations effectively.

Technological improvements were highlighted, including the integration of AI-assisted tools for dispatch, incident reporting, and body-worn camera transcription. These enhancements have streamlined operations, reduced administrative time for staff, and improved accuracy in documentation and evidence management.

Sheriff Black commended deputies for exemplary performance during severe weather events, including a five-hour rescue operation near Cloudcroft where personnel, in coordination with local fire departments, assisted hunters stranded in three feet of snow. The effort exemplified interagency collaboration and dedication to public safety in challenging conditions.

On staffing and resources, the sheriff reported progress with several new deputies entering field training programs and the addition of new patrol vehicles to the fleet, bolstering operational capacity and response readiness.

The Otero County Commission will reconvene later in February for the second public hearing on the Patriot Point MRA Plan. 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News and KALH Radio will continue coverage of commission meetings, public safety updates, and community development projects. Residents are encouraged to attend future hearings or review agendas and documents through the Otero County website for the latest information.

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