During recent meetings of ESCAFCA, it has come to our attention that “behind the scenes” discussions between the Town of Bernalillo representatives and Fisher Sand and Gravel have been going on for some time. Fisher has offered to allow building a detention pond on a portion of their property, working with ESCAFCA, possibly in return for an annexation into Bernalillo and re-zoning of their property.
This possible re-zoning would allow Fisher to re-open their sand and gravel operations and perhaps an asphalt plant. All of this would be in conjunction with the 2013 reconstruction of the I-25/Rt. 550 interchange.
Since Mayor Torres represents both the Town of Bernalillo and is one of three Board members of ESCAFCA (although one of the three, Wayne Sandoval, has not been attending meetings recently), a conflict of interest seems apparent.
Sandoval County, under pressure from local residents and members of
ES-CA, issued a zoning violation decree on January 27, 2012 to close down the Fisher site – including their attempt to locate an asphalt plant. Now it appears Fisher is pursuing other alternatives, utilizing the Town of Bernalillo and ESCAFCA to re-open operations.
At the most recent ESCAFCA Board meeting, ES-CA expressed “on the record” our concern that Fisher is attempting to re-open operations … that annexation is a way of going around the County ruling to shut Fisher down … and that Mayor Torres is representing both ESCAFCA and the Town of Bernalillo; all which would assist Fisher’s goals.
We must attend future ESCAFCA meetings, Bernalillo Town Council meetings, Bernalillo P&Z meetings, and campaign our concerns to local and state officials. ES-CA will lead the way, but needs your support to demonstrate our community concerns.
Please consider joining ES-CA, attending public meetings and participating in gathering factual information. ES-CA is a “watchdog organization structured for action”. Follow activity on our website – www.es-ca.org – for info on joining, meeting schedules, and more
Our efforts now are critical to maintaining the character and uniqueness of our area!