Las Cruces Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - February 24, 2026

The Las Cruces Planning and Zoning Commission met on February 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM, chaired by Kent Thurston. The meeting began with a call to order, conflict of interest declaration, and public participation. The agenda, including the consent agenda, was approved unanimously. Two major items were considered: a special use permit for a cannabis dispensary at 21-10 North Alameda Boulevard (item 7.1) and the Soaring Eagle Heights subdivision master plan and preliminary plat (items 7.2 and 7.3).

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

Item 7.1 – Cannabis Dispensary Special Use Permit

• Terrence Beverly, a longtime community member, expressed opposition, citing proximity to children, a school bus stop, and existing neighborhood issues such as break-ins. He stated religious and health concerns.
• Margaret Wetzel, property manager for a nearby church, read a statement from Lloyd Lindbeck opposing the permit, citing harm to children and existing crime problems.
• David Topstead, a member of Mountain View Christian Church, opposed the permit, citing reports of THC-related health issues, past break-ins, vandalism, and concerns about attracting drug use.
• Karen Rowers, a resident one block from the location, opposed the permit, citing 42 fender benders observed since January 2026 at the intersection, traffic safety concerns, and existing homelessness and smoking issues.

Items 7.2 & 7.3 – Soaring Eagle Heights Subdivision

• Eugena Gina Montoy Ortega, representing her sister Teresa Moreno who owns property on Moreno Road, expressed concerns about increased traffic, drainage from the proposed development, and potential flooding impacts on her sister's property. She noted an arroyo runs through the area and that recent rains turned Moreno Road into a river.
• Jimmy Garcia asked about compensation for road taking and potential water diversion to Kennedy Road.
• Brad Moore, a tenant in the area, echoed drainage concerns and requested to see grading and drainage details.

Discussion Items

Item 7.1 – Special Use Permit (SUP) for Cannabis Dispensary

• Staff (Adam Watch) presented the proposal, noting the property is zoned C2 under the 2001 zoning code, located within 155 feet of a single-family residential zone (ROA), requiring a SUP. The proposed use meets all distance requirements from schools, daycare, and other cannabis establishments. Staff recommended approval, stating no life safety or welfare issues were identified and that the use aligns with the Elevate Las Cruces comprehensive plan. Three phone calls were received shortly before the meeting, two opposed and one with questions.
• Commissioners discussed traffic safety, crime concerns, and the lack of evidence linking cannabis businesses to increased crime. Commissioner Kaiser noted that the intersection already has traffic issues regardless of the use. Commissioner Smith argued that alcohol is more accessible to youth than cannabis. Commissioner McCaslin noted that operating businesses with security can improve neighborhood safety. Commissioner Costa asked about distance requirements from churches; staff confirmed no such requirement exists.
• The motion to approve the SUP passed 5-1 (Acosta, Smith, Costa, McCaslin, Kaiser voting yes; Chair Thurston voting no; Murray absent).

Items 7.2 & 7.3 – Soaring Eagle Heights Subdivision Master Plan and Preliminary Plat

• Staff (John Castillo) presented the proposal for a 23.83-acre vacant parcel at the northwest corner of Elks Drive and Moreno Road. The master plan proposes 71 single-family lots (phases 1-3) and a multifamily lot (phase 4), with a drainage tract and pedestrian access to the adjacent school. The preliminary plat details the layout. Staff recommended approval, noting the project complies with the 2025 development code and provides attainable housing. The Development Review Committee (DRC) recommended approval with conditions, including an alternate cross-section for Elks Drive and Moreno Road.
• Commissioners extensively discussed drainage, the arroyo crossing the property, and the proposed retention pond (Tract A). The applicant's engineer, Renee Molina, explained that post-development runoff would be retained on site, historical flows would remain unchanged, and a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMAR) is being pursued with FEMA. Concerns were raised about water velocity and downstream impacts. Commissioner Kaiser questioned the site design, arguing the arroyo would flow over the new road. Staff and the engineer maintained that design standards allow water to flow over roadways and that the pond would not capture arroyo flow.
• Commissioner Kaiser also raised concerns about pedestrian and cyclist access, proposing an 8-foot multi-use path on Elks Drive to match a county trail, and a more intentional pedestrian connection to the school. Staff noted that DRC has jurisdiction over alternative cross-sections. Commissioner McCaslin argued that the project meets existing rules and that improvements should be addressed through code amendments.
• Commissioner Thurston raised concerns about the lack of park fees or park dedication, noting that the project was submitted under the old code and avoids park impact fees that other developers must pay. He expressed that this creates an unfair advantage.
• The master plan (7.2) was approved 5-2 (Acosta, Smith, McCaslin, Murray, Costa voting yes; Kaiser and Thurston voting no). The preliminary plat (7.3) was approved 5-2 (same vote).

Discussion Items (Non-Action)

• Downtown Master Plan Update: Staff provided an update: the consultant's initial draft has been reviewed by the Community Development Department; next steps include addressing comments, internal peer review, public comment, and then adoption by the MRA/TID and City Council. Commissioners may provide individual comments during the public comment period.
• Realize Las Cruces Updates: Staff noted that a log of issues with the new development code is being kept, and amendments will be brought to the Planning and Zoning Commission every six months. No date for the next amendment is set yet.

Key Outcomes

• Item 7.1: Approved (5-1) to grant a special use permit for a cannabis dispensary at 21-10 North Alameda Boulevard, subject to compliance with all applicable codes.
• Item 7.2: Approved (5-2) the Soaring Eagle Heights master plan, including the alternate cross-section for Elks Drive and Moreno Road.
• Item 7.3: Approved (5-2) the preliminary plat for Soaring Eagle Heights.
• The meeting concluded with a discussion of future updates on downtown planning and code amendments.