Title
Introduction of Incorporated County of Los Alamos Ordinance No. 713 Providing for the Transfer of Land to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT).
Recommended Action
I introduce, without prejudice, Incorporated County of Los Alamos Ordinance No. 713, an Ordinance providing for the transfer of approximately 2,698 Square Feet of certain public land along Trinity Drive (NM 502) owned by the Incorporated County of Los Alamos to the New Mexico Department of Transportation for public road improvements and ask staff to assure that it is published as provided in the County Charter.
County Manager’s Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council introduce Incorporated Los Alamos Ordinance No. 713
Body
The ordinance provides for the transfer of County owned parcels 2-QCD-1 and 2-QCD-2, totaling approximately 2,698 Square Feet of public land along Trinity Drive (NM 502) to the New Mexico Department of Transportation for public road improvements (See Attachments A and B).
On November 14, 2017, Council approved Ordinance No.673, authorizing the sale of County-owned real property within Site A-13-2 and A-12 to LAH Investors, LLC. On January 8, 2018, a Purchase, Sale and Development Agreement was executed between the County and LAH Investors, LLC. for the development of housing and supporting infrastructure. The agreement requires the County to design off-site road, utility, and public access improvements while construction of these improvements will be performed by the land developer.
As Trinity Drive or NM 502 is a state highway, the study and design of the proposed improvements required coordination with NMDOT along with an access permit application. Study and design development is complete which includes realignment of 35th Street further west and installation of a new bus bay for transit bus service, all of which will enhance public safety for all travel modes. The new bus bay and adjacent curb, gutter and sidewalk extended beyond the current NM 502 right-of-way into two County owned parcels. NMDOT issued an access permit to the County for the improvements, but as a condition of approval required dedication of these land segments so that the new public road infrastructure will be incorporated and part of NM 502 right-of-way. The land transfer will satisfy NMDOT’s condition and allow the land development team to proceed with off-site work, scheduled to begin in Spring 2022.
Due to the routine nature of this ordinance, it is proposed that the Public Hearing be held on November 9, 2021.
Alternatives
The Council could choose to not introduce this ordinance at this time.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned Item
The introduction involves minimal staff and fiscal impact. If the ordinance is adopted, then the property would be conveyed to the New Mexico Department of Transportation.
Attachments
A - Incorporated County of Los Alamos Ordinance No. 713
B - Right-of-Way Map (NM 502 & 35th Street Realignment Project)