Tijeras Officials Holding Town Hall Meeting, Public Hearing Over Proposed Zoning Change

TIJERAS — The Village of Tijeras is set to hold a public hearing Monday at 6 pm to consider a zoning change that could pave the way for large-scale commercial development, including gas stations and chain retailers, at a site northwest of the I-40 and Highway 14 interchange.

On Sunday, at 1 pm, the village is hosting a Town Hall meeting to discuss the project. An online petition has garnered more than 1,100 signatures opposing the project.

The proposal, recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission, seeks to reclassify the property from CB-1 (Commercial Business) to CB-2 (Large Commercial Business). Under the village’s code, the CB-2 designation is intended for “larger commercial, retail and business development” that may generate traffic of 100 or more vehicles per day.

If approved, the new zoning would allow for entities with a footprint of up to 20,000 square feet. Potential uses listed for the CB-2 zone include gas stations, chain restaurants, retail stores, and hotels—developments that opponents argue could fundamentally alter the character of the mountain community.

The decision comes amid vocal local opposition. A petition on Change.org titled “Deny the zoning change NW of I-40 and Hwy 14” has been circulating, reflecting resident concerns over increased traffic and the introduction of “big box” style development to the rural area.

Village officials have scheduled two key events to address the proposal:

• Town Hall Meeting: Sunday, March 30, at 1 p.m. at the Village of Tijeras Town Hall, 12 Camino Municipal.
• Public Hearing: Monday, March 31, at 6 p.m. at the same location.

The Monday hearing will follow a strict procedural format. According to the agenda, Mayor Jake Bruton will open the session with a summary of the proposal, followed by a presentation from the applicant.

Members of the public will be permitted to provide testimony, though comments are strictly limited to three minutes per speaker. Village Council members will reserve their questions until after each speaker has finished their allotted time.

The Village Attorney is expected to confirm that all procedural requirements have been met before the council moves toward a potential vote. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend to voice their support or concerns regarding the future of the village’s commercial landscape.