Civil Municipal - Feb 2024

Getting into specifics, Mayor Perea elaborates on the city’s strategic approach to addressing the housing stock challenge. Sunland Park is not merely expanding but innovatively diversifying its residential landscape. Recent zoning changes across the city have paved the way for various housing formats.“We have allowed for single residential homes,” he says, acknowledging the continued demand for traditional housing. Yet, there’s a forward-looking aspect to this strategy. The mayor highlights the council’s approval of higher-density developments, particularly in Sunland Park’s entertainment district and along major commercial streets. The vision includes multi-level developments that smartly combine commercial spaces on the ground floor with housing above. This approach addresses housing needs and aims to reduce municipal costs and promote a vibrant, dense urban environment. BALANCING GROWTH AND CHARM In the face of rapid development, Sunland Park confronts the delicate task of harmonizing its expansion with its rich heritage and allure. Mayor Perea addresses this intricate balancing act, underscoring the pivotal role of strategic planning and community engagement in this process. “The master plan you establish with your community is crucial,” Mayor Perea emphasizes. This plan, adopted a little over five years ago, marks a new chapter in Sunland Park’s history. For the first time in its 40-year history, the city has a cohesive blueprint guiding its growth. Mayor Perea points out that confronting and acknowledging the challenges, such as aging infrastructure and the need for expansion, is a fundamental step. This inclusive approach to city planning has unearthed a surprising trend: community-wide support for higher-density living. Mayor Perea explains the changing preferences of the younger generations, who are increasingly drawn to the convenience and lifestyle offered by mixed-use developments. “They want to live in an apartment where you can get your groceries downstairs or maybe even go to a 100 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 02