Magdalena prefers community use

Groundwork Studio, Adaapta, and the New Mexico Environment Department Brownfields Program, presented four former BIA property concept diagrams to members of the Magdalena community on July 19 and at the Alamo Chapter house on August 8.

The team shared information on existing housing market conditions and community feedback on desired services and amenities collected in the months of February through June. Each of the concepts was accompanied by potential funding sources, images, and information on the proposed land-uses. All the concepts presented to the public were conceptual and, to varying degrees, mixed-use.

“The (Magdalena) Open House turnout was good, about 50 community members were in attendance. Prior to the open house, feedback on both housing and food-related land-uses was positive, indicating housing and food were popular and possibly beneficial uses. Some attendees at the open house expressed opposition to housing and food.” Groundwork Studio wrote in an email.

They said that during the Magdalena meeting strong concerns were expressed about the construction of any kind of housing on the property, in particular, low-income housing. There was discussion on senior housing and or assisted living, if town homes were appropriate for the neighborhood character and what would be affordable for residents.

“A community hub space, recreation center, and greenspace or park are all popular uses for the property. Generally, people want a land-use that serves the whole community.” Groundwork wrote.

At the Alamo Chapter presentation and discussion, Groundwork Studio reported that the visit was brief but went well.

“After the meeting, we were able to hear stories from a couple community members who attended the school or whose relatives did. It seems there is support for a cultural or interpretive space for sharing stories from different eras and providing educational opportunities for the town and visitors on their neighboring tribe.” Groundwork wrote.

Groundwork Studios will now focus on writing the visioning report which they will submit to NMED for review, and after making edits will finalize the report in September. Concurrently, Adaapta, a planning firm that specializes in economic development and brownfield revitalization, will finalize a report on pathways to funding.

“The two reports can be utilized together in the future. The end of September marks the completion of our contract. A second round of remediation is scheduled to take place in October-November of this year. Folks can contact the NMED Brownfields Program with any questions on that.” Groundwork wrote.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs dormitories were built in the late 1950’s and sit on approximately ten acres inside village limits on Kelly Road. The thirteen buildings served as living quarters, offices, garages and recreational facilities. The dorms housed Indigenous children from Alamo and surrounding areas until it closed in 1985.

The Village of Magdalena purchased the property from the BIA for $10,000 with plans to renovate the property. In the mid-90s, initial assessments indicated a renovation was possible, but limited funding has left the buildings unmaintained for almost 40 years.

The first stage of remediation was completed in June with lead and asbestos abatement successfully conducted on three of the former BIA buildings on the property.

The Environmental Protection Agency has granted additional funds to the NMED Brownfields Program beginning October 1. The second round of asbestos and lead based paint abatement planned for this fall will draw on this funding.