The Las Cruces City Council adopted a Resolution to establish a Fast Track Permitting Program intended to accelerate the review and approval of qualifying economic development projects within the city, including at the Las Cruces Innovation and Industrial Park.
City Council’s approval of the Resolution was done at its Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023 meeting in Council Chambers at City Hall, 700 N. Main St.
The Fast Track Permitting Program will provide a framework defining the purpose, objective, and procedures including project eligibility requirements, the application process, and general guidelines. The permitting program is intended for larger economic development projects but could be a catalyst for future programs such as small businesses and affordable housing projects.
The Fast Track Permitting Program would still require all project applications to obtain City of Las Cruces Development Code approvals. However, the permitting program aims to be flexible and wants to promote and offer a business-friendly environment.
In July 2021, City Council approved the Las Cruces Innovation and Industrial Park Master Plan. One of the strategic goals of the master plan is to improve the Innovation and Industrial Park’s image and visibility, which includes streamlining the development review and approval process.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the Council adopted a Resolution to begin a pilot program for the installation of hygiene stations throughout Las Cruces. Details including how many hygiene stations, where they will be installed, how they will be managed and maintained, and how they will be funded, could soon be presented to City Council for final approval, since the Council indicated it wants to quickly implement the program.
The hygiene stations will include portable toilet facilities and handwashing stations and could include biohazard drop boxes for the disposal of used syringe needles and other sharp objects.
All waste will be contained within storage containers. The goal of the proposed hygiene stations is to abate nuisances that negatively affect public health and safety by aiding indigent individuals.
A City Council work session initially scheduled Jan. 9, 2023 has been cancelled. However, a brief Agenda Setting Meeting, to determine the agenda for the Tuesday, Jan. 17 City Council meeting will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9 in Council Chambers at City Hall.