To the City Council and Planning and Land Use Division:

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the development of the proposed Zorro Blanco Apartment Complex at 7205. While we understand the intention to address housing shortages, this development does NOT serve the best interests of those looking for housing. Our reasoning for this is as follows:

1. Housing as a Commodity:

• Zydeco66 has opted against offering ANY of their apartments to low-income families, choosing instead to pay a fee to the city to bypass this requirement. The predominant number of units in their development are single-bedroom apartments, underscoring that this complex is not intended to accommodate small families.
• The need for more homes is important. But apartment buildings that are purely for renting only benefit the owner of the building and without real laws to support renters in Santa Fe, apartment owners are free to abuse the “housing as a commodity” structure rather than a social good. 

2. Privately-Owned Apartments Has Not Created Affordable Housing:

• Complexes built by private companies take advantage of the need for housing in our city. New Mexico's Rent Control Preemption Act of 1991 generally prohibits cities and counties from enacting rent control laws. This means landlords can usually set and increase rent prices as they want, as long as they follow the lease agreement and any local ordinances. (KOB4.org)

3. Cost of Living Concerns:

• Historical data shows that the introduction of new apartment complexes in Santa Fe has not effectively curbed the rising cost of living. Instead, these developments often attract more affluent residents, driving up local prices and displacing lower-income families. The focus should shift towards creating affordable housing solutions to address the true needs of the community​.
  “According to a 2023 report from the state’s Legislative Finance Committee, average rents in New Mexico have increased by 70 percent since 2017” (SearchlightNM.org)

4. Underlying Issues of the Housing Shortage:

• We have several underlying issues of the housing shortage that haven’t been addressed. One top issue is the amount of homes that are used as short-term rentals (STRs) or owned by people outside the state. According to homewisdom.org, 15% of single-family homes listed on Santa Fe County's tax rolls have owners who reside outside New Mexico. In central Santa Fe, the percentage of absentee owners exceeds 20%. This significantly reduces the availability of long-term housing and drives up rent prices, contributing more to the housing affordability and shortage issues. (homewisdom.org)

5. Single-Family Homes or Condos for Stability and Strong Community:

• Potential buyers benefit from the stability and opportunities for long-term investment offered by single-family homes or condos. Compared to apartment complexes, they contribute to a more balanced and sustainable community growth and help Santa Fe families build their own wealth.
• Condos instead of apartments can be a good choice for buyers who want a more affordable option or less maintenance. They can also offer a sense of community, with events and amenities that even single-family homes might not provide. This is a massive missed opportunity to help build our Santa Fe community.
• Homeowners tend to stay in their homes for a median of 10 years, compared to just two years for renters. This stability fosters stronger community ties, better-maintained properties, and a more invested neighborhood.​ (The Mortgage Reports)​
  

6. Water Shortage Crisis:

• Santa Fe is currently experiencing a significant water shortage. With all the new building currently going on, there is a lack of trust that the city is taking into account this crisis and have not prioritized it as a real issue. (Sfreporter.com)

7. Current Lack of Local Amenities:

• The proposed site for the apartment complex is in an area with currently no essential amenities like grocery stores and pharmacies. Amenities that do exist are extremely minimal, like banking and gas stations. Adding a large residential complex without the necessary supporting infrastructure will increase traffic and congestion and strain existing resources. Instead, we propose prioritizing the development of essential amenities first to benefit current residents, enhance community well-being, and create crucial building blocks for the area's continued growth.

We urge the city planners to reconsider this project and explore alternative solutions that address the root causes of our housing and community issues. Prioritizing sustainable development, preserving our water resources, and enhancing local amenities will better serve the needs of Santa Fe residents.