Traffic concerns nix recycling plant

The Bernalillo County Commission denied an appeal on May 24 for a waste and recycling plant near UNM’s golf course.

UNM’s Real Estate office is opposed to the recycling plant because it could have a negative effect on the groundwater near the golf course, Real Estate consultant Amy Coburn said. She said the proposed recycling plant would affect traffic in the area.

“The frequency of the vehicles and the traffic loading on that road could negatively impact UNM’s ability to develop that site for the larger community,” she said.

Traffic was the main concern for some council members, including Wayne Johnson. Johnson said he was concerned there weren’t enough long-term projections for traffic in the area. 

“They didn’t prove the traffic issues and under this system, the burden of proof is upon them,” he said. “That’s really what it boils down to.” 

The County Planning Commission recommended the plant be approved in November 2010 and again last April, but both requests were denied. Concerned community members spoke at the hearings, according to meeting transcripts.

“Impact on the community is a part of the equation for granting (this),” Johnson said. 

The plant would also affect the U.S. Food Services facilities near UNM south campus. U.S. Food Services’ Vice President Jack Zurich said he was pleased that the appeal was denied because its construction could affect his facilities’ cleanliness. 

“It’s a contradiction to what we do in a clean business environment — handling perishable food and food products,” he said. “So we’re very pleased with the outcome.”