Rio Rancho adopts Vista Allegra master plan and rezoning despite council concerns about 'holdout' parcels and paving

The Rio Rancho governing body voted to adopt the Vista Allegra master plan (R18) and approved the related rezoning ordinance (O4) that changes large portions of the plan area to higher‑density residential zoning and some neighborhood commercial.

Amy Rincon, director of development services, presented the plan and explained that the applicant included most parcels in the master plan but elected not to include certain gray outparcels that the applicant does not own. "The master plan does have 100% ownership because of what they are presenting to be part of the master plan," Rincon said, while noting some lots shown in gray and white on the map are not part of the submission.

Councilors expressed repeated concerns about the plan's irregular shape, the risk that unacquired holdout lots could be developed independently in ways that clash with the master plan, and the possibility that developers could avoid building abutting roadways by excluding certain parcels. Councilor Culbreth asked whether 3rd Street would be paved; applicant representative Brian O'Gohan responded, "The intent is not to pave 3rd Street at this point in time. It is currently unpaved." He added the developer plans a traffic study as part of the preliminary plat process to define off‑site needs.

Jim Strozier, representing the planning consultants, said traffic studies and negotiations with staff are standard next steps and that the master plan anticipates future parcel assembly or individual zone changes for holdouts.

Council debate weighed two priorities: pressing forward to provide additional housing versus holding response until more parcels are assembled to ensure contiguous, planned development. Several councilors warned that pushing decisions into later phases can mean promised amenities or alignments are scaled back. The council called the question and passed R18 and the rezoning O4; Councilor Culbreth and Councilor Tyler voted no on the rezoning, while a majority voted in favor of both items.

What happens next: staff said the development will move to preliminary plat and site plan steps where required traffic studies, paving negotiations and potential DPM waiver requests will be evaluated. The Planning & Zoning Board had recommended both items unanimously before the council vote.