Tijeras Village Council rejects controversial rezoning plan

Residents raised concerns over the impact of commercial development on their small-town way of life

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:19am

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The Village of Tijeras, New Mexico, rejected a proposal to rezone a 58-acre property from a CB1 to a CB2 zone, which would have allowed for larger commercial businesses to move in. Residents strongly opposed the change, voicing concerns that it would threaten the area's rural character and small-town atmosphere. Only one council member voted to approve the rezoning, so the motion failed.

Why it matters

This decision highlights the ongoing tension between development and preserving the unique identity of small towns. Tijeras residents were adamant about maintaining their semi-rural way of life and preventing the influx of 24-hour businesses and 'big box' stores that they felt would disrupt the community's character.

The details

The property owner had proposed rezoning her 58-acre parcel on the corner of State Route 14 and Torres Trail from a CB1 to a CB2 zone, which would have allowed for larger commercial enterprises to move in. Residents packed Monday's council meeting to voice their opposition, arguing that the change would bring unwanted development, traffic, and light pollution that would undermine Tijeras' small-town charm.

  • The Village Council considered the rezoning proposal on Monday, March 30, 2026.
  • Only one council member voted to approve the zoning change, so the motion failed.

The players

Eric Olivas

Bernalillo County Commissioner who represents the district where the proposed rezoning was located.

Jake Burton

Mayor of the Village of Tijeras.

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What they’re saying

“What it really could mean is a much more intense level of development, potentially, all of this really depends on future phases and what happens in the future.”

— Eric Olivas, Bernalillo County Commissioner

“I'm looking at a bunch of outcry here, I've heard it, I'm worried about all the mom and pop businesses. I'm worried about how it's going to affect our way of life. This semi-rural way of life that we have all enjoyed.”

— Concerned resident

“CB-1 is for us. The neighbor,s it's for small shops that close at dusk. CB 2 is for travelers; it brings 24-hour lights, notice, and big box footprints that don't belong on the scenic byway.”

— Community member

What’s next

Mayor Jake Burton stated that although the rezoning proposal was rejected, other zoning changes are on the way, and the village will be inviting the public to zoning workshops in the next few weeks to discuss the future of development in Tijeras.

The takeaway

This decision in Tijeras highlights the ongoing challenge many small towns face in balancing economic development with preserving their unique community character. Residents were adamant about maintaining Tijeras' semi-rural way of life and preventing the influx of large commercial businesses that they felt would disrupt the town's identity.