Socorro council approves triplex at 340 Escalante Drive after split over density

The Socorro City Council unanimously approved rezoning Lot 1, Block 9, Alameda Estates Replat (340 Escalante Drive) to permit a three-unit building after debate over competing site plans.

The request, presented by City Planner Lorraine Quimito, sought rezoning from R-1 (single-family) to R-2 (medium-density residential). The property owner, Eva Development LLC, through representative Enrique Ayala, offered three different site plans during the meeting: an original plan for four units across two buildings, a Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation limiting development to a single duplex (two units), and a revised plan from Ayala proposing a single three-unit building. Quimito said the lot is about 12,500 square feet and that Planning & Zoning had recommended approval limited to one duplex at its May 6 meeting.

The council debated whether to accept the commission's more restrictive recommendation or allow a higher unit count. Council members raised concerns about small living areas and future maintenance for compact lots; Ayala said the proposed units would be roughly 954–980 square feet and three bedrooms with two baths on the duplex plan. Councilmember Alejandro Garcia amended a motion multiple times; the council ultimately approved Ayala’s amended request for a triplex. The motion passed unanimously; council members who were recorded present and voting yes were Ruben Reyes, Alejandro Garcia, Rudy Cruz (mayor), Gina Cordero and Irene Lujas.

Quimito said setbacks and spacing for the proposed designs meet current city code, including a larger-than-required rear setback on the four-unit plan and roughly 12 feet between buildings. Ayala described each unit as having two parking spaces at the front and separate backyards. Council members said the decision balanced Planning & Zoning’s preference for lower density with the applicant’s desire to increase units while keeping livability considerations.

No public speakers addressed this item during the hearing. The council’s action was a zoning decision by the elected body; Quimito noted the triplex site plan presented by the applicant had not previously been voted on by the Planning & Zoning Commission and therefore proceeded at council discretion.

The council asked staff to ensure future building specifications and inspections maintain quality and to watch for maintenance issues on smaller lots.

The rezoning and site plan move forward with the council’s approval; council members did not tie the approval to any additional conditions beyond the ordinance and standard city inspections.