ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A new proposed film studio on the west side of Albuquerque continues to face backlash from neighbors who are trying to stop the project. After city councilors voted against an appeal from those neighbors at a recent meeting, the group still has another chance to plead their case.
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Eight of the nine Albuquerque city councilors raised their hands against an appeal from neighbors attempting to stop a project near their homes. It’s for the development of Mesa Flm studios which would be built on Double Eagle II Airport’s property near the Petroglyph National Monument. It faced backlash from surrounding communities in past city council meetings.
“We just wanted to speak in opposition to this plan not because we’re against development. It’s just cause how fast it’s pushing along without tribal consultation that we would hope to have,” said a speaker representing the Native American Voters Alliance.
After the site plan for the project got the green light from the city’s Environmental Planning Commission (EPC), the West Side Coalition of neighborhood associations, Santa Fe Village neighborhood association, along with the Native American Voters Alliance appealed that decision. They argue the plans pose a threat to Petroglyph National Monument and surrounding open space, the EPC procedures were rushed, and there wasn’t enough public outreach.
Land Use Hearing Officer Steven Chavez agreed with only one of their arguments which was the site’s current zoning doesn’t allow for permanent film production. “The council referred this to its land use hearing officer who recommends the city council grant the appeal and reverse the EPC’s decision to approve the site plan,” said a presenter during the meeting.
In August 2024, city council amended the Double Eagle II Airport’s master plan to allow different uses on that land including use for a film studio. “However, that 2024 amendment to the master plan did not change the zoning of the property,” said the presenter.
Ultimately, the majority of councilors didn’t agree with the land use hearing officer and moved to reject the appeal. The issue now goes to a full appeal hearing in front city council that’s scheduled for April 7.
