LOS LUNAS — Improvements to south Los Lentes Road and trail were approved at the July 6 Los Lunas Village Council meeting.
The Los Lunas Public Works Department received two bids for the project, which is primarily funded through federal highway funds.
These funds have been allocated for reconstruction of South Los Lentes Road from Aspen to Morris roads with a sidewalk and an 8-foot multi-use asphalt trail with signage, drainage, striping and pedestrian lighting.
“We’re looking at the whole road being pulverized to redo and elevate the road,” said Los Lunas Public Works Director Michael Jaramillo. “It will improve access to properties on the west side of the ditch. We’re excited about it because for three years, we’ve been trying to move this project forward.”
Federal highway grants for this project amount to $1.2 million, and the village is contributing $1.3 million in matching funds.
“With federal money, as well as the local funds, we believe we can make this work and that we can do it within the budget,” said Jaramillo.
The council voted unanimously in approval of the low bid from Desert Fox Inc. for $2,308,018.
Jaramillo anticipates that construction will begin in October and will last about six months.
Bella Vida
Also at the July 6 council meeting, owner of Bella Vida urgent care, Frank Chavez, requested a zone change for the property for the purpose of allowing an expansion to the urgent care facility, located at 328 Main St. NW, in Los Lunas.
“Staff found it to be compliant with municipal code and the comprehensive plan. The reason for the zone change request is because our ordinance treats medical facilities over 10,000 square feet differently than those under,” said Erin Callahan, Los Lunas community development director. “Expansion would take them over the 10,000 square-feet threshold, which is why they are applying for an SU zone.”
Chavez, who co-owns the company with his wife, Kathy Fresquez-Chavez, said they want to build a new addition to the walk-in location so they can move their primary care clinic, located at 1400 Main St., to the 328 Main St. location so it will all be housed in one building. They also want to add more space in the back for staff parking.
Chavez said they are renting the 1400 Main St. location, so this expansion will allow them to move everyone into the building they already own. He told the council that having all the staff in one area will will increase the quality of care.
“Primary care is very needed,” Chavez said. “When we started, we tried to keep it under the 10,000 limit but that would not meet the needs of what’s going on now.”
The mayor and all members of the council voted in approval. A time line for when construction will begin has not yet been provided.
“We’ve been on that corner since 2011 and we plan to be there, hopefully with these changes, a lot longer than I’ll be around because we believe it’s a very needed thing,” Chavez said.
Felina Martinez was born and raised in Valencia County. She graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2021. During her time at UNM, she studied interdisciplinary film, digital media and journalism. She covers the village of Los Lunas, Los Lunas Schools, the School of Dreams Academy and the town of Peralta.
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April 25, 2024
