Sanchez Series Continues: Skullduggery at Valverde Commons

Below, Taos Friction posts the second of a four part series about Town of Taos government by former town Councilman Gene Sanchez. While much of the information is on the public record, some of the alleged thuggery might shock the reader. (Rated PG)

Part II

Valverde Commons, Town Council helps developers break the law

Many of you may remember the Town Council’s meeting that lasted into the wee hoursof the morning, a meeting that concerned whether two local developers should be allowed to build a housing project on the pastures west of Valverde Road, known as The Valverde Commons. Testimony was presented by acequia parcientes, engineers, scientists, and concerned community leaders on how detrimental the development would be to the pastures and water. The Town’s own 20/20 Vision Plan warned against development of these pastures and the Town of Taos Access Management Manual strictly forbids access from the development to Valverde Road, due to the horrific visual limitations and narrow road conditions.

Our community suffers when our elected officials lack a sense of history and tradition. Elected officials should know and respect our laws, and have enough self-respect not to allow themselves to be manipulated to approve illegal developments.

The developers praised the location as ideal for the new homeowners who are supposed to be senior citizens. They can walk to town to do their shopping. Shopping for what? There are no food or clothing stores on the plaza. There is a steep hill to climb from the development to a road with no sidewalks, a road too narrow and dangerous to drive, much less walk.

Despite non-compliance with the 20/20 plan, the traffic code, and the civic opposition, the project was approved with a vote of three – to (my )one. The approval of this development typifies the greed that is destroying our nation.

The developers have smothered the acequias and hindered the rejuvenation of the aquifer. Meanwhile, Councilman Silva can enjoy the money he made from a contract he received after the project was approved.

(One of the developers continues to mine our aquifer by supplying his commercial structures on Gusdorf Street with three wells instead of connecting to the Town utilities as required by law.)

Developers Push the limits

The developers drilled a well by one of their buildings in Valverde Commons but were stopped by the Town from using the water. Wells are illegal even with a state permit unless the Town approves the well and location. The developers were instructed to seal it with concrete per state regulations. You must realize that in Taos, one knows everything that is going on. Mostly no one cares, but I do care that the well in question is not filled in compliance with state law. It was plugged with just a few feet of concrete, which can be removed from the line when government changes and such things are forgotten.