TIDD Board, Council Work Session Recap for January 27, 2025

There are several beautification projects underway in Las Cruces that were highlighted Monday, January 27, 2025, in presentations during a Tax Increment District (TIDD) board meeting and City Council work session, in Council Chambers at City Hall, 700 N. Main Street.

City Council, who also serves as the TIDD board, was updated on finances and projects in the district. As of the end of December 2024, more than $3 million had been collected in the TIDD funds in FY25, bringing the total balance of all TIDD funds to just over $23 million.

Current projects that are using TIDD funds include plan and design for the leveling of the floor at Branigan Memorial Library to improve service, ADA improvements, and expansion to create a more welcoming entrance. Renovations at the Branigan Cultural Center, focused on the exterior vigas and porticos, are expected to be completed by the end of March. TIDD funds will also help cool off downtown visitors as plans are in place to add shade structures in the callecitas between the roundabout and Bowman Avenue along Main Street. Construction is expected this summer.

In the City Council work session, Councilors received a presentation on the assessment of senior services as reflected in a survey taken by the city’s senior population. Nearly 700 surveys were returned by English and Spanish speaking survey takers 50 years and older. The goal of the survey is to enhance the City’s understanding of the usage of current senior services programs, challenges individuals face with daily needs, and concerns related to the needs of aging adults. The survey found that of the nine major programs the City offers seniors, which include, home delivered meals, congregate lunch, transportation services, recreational activities, case management services, homemaker services, aging and disability resources, grandparents raising grandchildren support, and respite care, most were aware of the meal programs, transportation and recreation activities, but the other services were far less familiar resulting in a low usage rate.

Most seniors said they were satisfied with services they use, that they felt safe at home and were independent, not needing additional in-home services or transportation. Many said they would like to see more activities offered and more pickleball time. The survey prompted recommendations of improving awareness of the lesser used programs and developing more recreation activities.

Councilors were also updated on current Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) designations and were provided details to support additional designations within the city’s infill area. Data is currently being gathered to assist redevelopment efforts aimed at addressing blight in key areas and enhancing property values and economic activity. Existing MRA designations include El Paseo Road & South Solano Drive, West Picacho Avenue, and downtown Las Cruces.

Finally Council received a quarterly update on the 2022 GO Bond Projects. There are four current projects: New Fire Station #9, The East Mesa Recreation Complex Continuation, Affordable Housing, and Park Improvements.

Construction on Fire station #9 began in late October and is reportedly 10% complete. It is on schedule and the estimated completion date is by the end of February 2026.

Park Improvements will be planned at La Llorona and Tellbrook Parks. La Llorona Park will see restroom improvements, upgrades to amenities, and trail repair. Telbrook Park will get exercise equipment replaced. Completion of the parks improvements is still expected at the end of 2025.

The East Mesa Public Recreation Complex will include an adaptive and inclusive playground. Construction is expected to begin in May. Additional complex improvements will include eight sand volleyball courts, two basketball courts, an umpire and IT building, restrooms, and more street furniture. Shade structures will be added beginning next month.

The City has a few Affordable Housing GO Bond projects. The Three Sisters Apartment complex for families is about 70% complete, a ribbon cutting is expected in March of this year. Pedrena Senior Apartments complex for residents aged 55+ is at 60% completion. Peachtree Canyon has had rough in and grading of the site, and framing is expected to begin this week. The City also anticipates purchasing Arcadia Phase 4, a Metro Verde Subdivision, later this quarter. The City’s Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Administrator, Natalie Green, said the City will be looking at expansion of the revolving loan fund. They were able to use the pilot program to fund the construction of three out of 10 single family houses.

Monday’s TIDD Board meeting and Work Session, along with all City Council work sessions and regular meetings, can be viewed on the City’s YouTube Channel.

Due to Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe as part of the 2025 Legislative Session, Councilors will next meet in a regular meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, at Council Chambers, 700 N. Main St.