By Rodd Cayton
Those interested in the straight dope about big happenings in the East Mountains might want to be in Sandia Park on Oct. 19. The East Mountains Protection Action Coalition (EMPAC) will host its second Community Gathering, with residents, community leaders and elected officials joining to discuss issues shaping the region’s future.
Organizers are promising updates concerning Campbell Ranch and the Diamond Tail Solar Project, as well as “a significant discussion about new opportunities for protecting the land, water and character of the East Mountains.”
Campbell Ranch is a controversial master plan near Edgewood that became the subject of a lawsuit after town commissioners denied the developer’s subdivision applications. Reboot Edgewood, a group seeking to disincorporate the town, cites the annexation of Campbell Ranch as one of the ways town leaders have failed residents. The Diamond Tail Solar Project is a proposed 220-megawatt installation that would go on about 1,830 acres east of State Route 14. Sandoval County Commissioner Commissioners in 2025 approved a zoning change that would allow the project to go forward, but it too is in court, as opponents have appealed that decision.
EMPAC has been involved in debates concerning both projects. “There are moments when a community has an opportunity not simply to react to change, but to help shape what comes next,” EMPAC Board President Dennis Kellogg said in a news release. “October 19 is about bringing our neighbors together, sharing where things stand, and talking about some very promising possibilities for the future of the East Mountains.” State Sen. Anthony Thornton, State Rep. Stefani Lord and Bernalillo County Commissioner Eric Olivas are expected to speak at the event, which takes place at 6 p.m. at Lantern Ridge Farm Market and Nursery, 12540 State Route 14 in Sandia Park.
“The strength of our East Mountains community has always been its people,” EMPAC Community Outreach leader Charlene Smith said. “When our neighbors become informed and work together, remarkable things can happen. There is a lot happening right now, and this is one evening you’re going to want to be in the room for.”
Those wishing to attend are encouraged to RSVP by Oct. 12 by email to at info@TheEMPAC.org.