Quarterly GO bond update: Fire Station 9 on schedule; parks and housing projects advance

City Public Works and housing staff provided the quarterly update on general‑obligation (G.O.) bond projects at the July 28 Las Cruces City Council work session, reporting construction progress and near‑term timelines for parks, a new fire station and several affordable‑housing developments.

Fire Station No. 9: funding and schedule
Jimmy Moreno, interim assistant director for Public Works, said Fire Station No. 9 has total funds of $12,130,000 and construction progress has moved from roughly 15% at the last update to 35% complete. “We are still on schedule to meet the March 2026 completion date for this project,” Moreno said. Work completed includes the apparatus bay concrete pour; CMU wall construction is nearing completion and structural steel and truss work are underway.

Parks and recreation projects
La Llorona park: construction began in May. Contractors have demolished an existing restroom, are placing flatwork and a new bathroom holding tank, and are procuring play equipment and safety surfacing. City staff said new wayfinding and stormwater mitigation for the playground are in design; staff expect calendar‑year 2025 completion for the La Llorona scope.

East Mesa Public Recreation Complex: Phase 1 has approximately 60% of the remaining playground work complete, with an estimated 6–8 weeks to finish installation. Phase 2 construction has just begun (clearing and grubbing) and includes basketball courts, a restroom, lighting, street furniture and an area for public art; staff expect phase completion by the end of calendar year 2025.

Affordable housing and neighborhood updates
Natalie Green, housing and neighborhood revitalization administrator, reported leasing and construction updates: 3 Sisters (70 units) was reported at 60 units occupied (about 86% leased) at the time of the presentation; Pedrina Senior Apartments is about 85% complete with the west wing pending temporary certificates of occupancy and a planned ribbon cutting in late October; Peachtree Canyon Apartments phase 1 is 38% complete (144 units) with phase 2 to bring total development to 288 units. Peachtree Phase 1 framing is underway and the pool and clubhouse areas are in progress. Amador Crossing has secured construction funding and contractors are excavating utility trenches; Arcadia 4 purchase of a subdivision is scheduled to come before council next week and state funding was received to support that purchase.

Other projects and next steps
Staff noted upcoming items expected before council, including additional state funding awards and budget adjustments; a site visit to Pedrina Senior Apartments was scheduled for the day after the work session. Public Works credited internal photo and video documentation for the report.

Discussion versus direction
Discussion only: the presentation was informational and no formal council votes were taken on the GO bond items during the work session. Council members asked clarifying questions about construction causes of visible damage at La Llorona and inspection timing; staff responded on construction sequencing and inspection schedules.

Ending: Staff will continue quarterly reporting to council and bring specific funding adjustments, contract approvals and purchase items to future agendas as required.