SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard announced today that the State Land Office is accepting bids on a parcel of state land near Eubank and Central in Albuquerque related to a proposal to construct a new affordable housing community for the city’s senior citizens. The Greater Albuquerque Housing Partnership (GAHP), which opened the 92-unit affordable Luminaria Senior Community (also on state trust land) across Central from the proposed site earlier this year, is proposing to build a second housing development, the Farolito Senior Community.
“We all know the cost of living can be a serious burden, particularly for senior citizens on a fixed income. The recently-launched Luminaria senior housing project showed the State Land Office can work closely with other entities to find solutions to the most pressing problems facing New Mexico’s residents,” said Commissioner Garcia Richard. “I’m excited about continuing to revitalize Central Avenue and the possibility of bringing an additional 80 to 90 much-needed affordable apartments to the community.”
The State Land Office hosted a public meeting on the proposed Farolito project on September 8, 2022 and advertised the request for bids on the 2.2+ acre parcel of state land in accordance with state law. Bids on the parcel must be received by the State Land Office no later than 3:00 p.m. on December 13, 2022. The State Land Office will open all sealed bids received at a public auction at 310 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM on December 14, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. The winner will be awarded a 60-year lease for the parcel with the option to renew the lease for up to four additional consecutive periods of five years each. Bid packages are available at: https://www.nmstatelands.org/announcements/.
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Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard has overseen the New Mexico State Land Office since 2019. In that time the agency has raised more than $5 billion for New Mexico public schools, hospitals, and universities. Over 13 million acres of state trust land are leased for a variety of uses, including ranching and farming, renewable energy, business development, mineral development, and outdoor recreation. The State Land Office has a dual mandate to use state trust land to financially support vital public institutions, while simultaneously working to protect the land for future generations.