Совет Сокорро отложил решение по заявке робототехнической компании на работу в сельхоззоне

Socorro council postpones decision on proposed robotics operation The Socorro City Council postponed a decision during the Aug. 18 meting on a special use permit that would allow a robotics company to operate in a rural agricultural zone on the city’s west side, after residents raised concerns about safety, hazardous materials, zoning and the lack of a detailed written business plan. The council voted to postpone the matter until its Sept. 15 meeting, giving city officials time to obtain a legal opinion and the applicant, Heinrich Barnhurst, additional time to provide information about his plans. Barnhurst, founder and CEO of Voltex, told the council he hopes to establish a small robotics operation at 2600 W. Blue Canyon Road. The company, which is less than a year old, works on robotics and dual-use systems for commercial and defense applications, including maritime, air and potential space systems. The property consists of about 53.5 acres, but Barnhurst said he is seeking approval for only the portion containing an existing building. His initial plan calls for three or four employees and low-rate production of propulsion units that could be used in government applications. Barnhurst said the location is attractive because it borders New Mexico Tech and its research facilities, allowing the company to potentially work with the university on propulsion systems. He said his goal is to develop a public-private partnership and eventually expand the business. He said the company initially expects to hire three or four people and is pursuing government contracts. He told the council he hopes to grow the company from an initial $2 million to $3 million in revenue during its first year, with a longer-term goal of reaching $10 million to $15 million. The proposal generated significant opposition from residents living near the property. Several residents told the council they were concerned about the prospect of energetic materials being manufactured or stored near their homes. They also raised concerns about inadequate water and fire suppression infrastructure, the condition of Blue Canyon Road, lighting, noise and the possibility of hazardous-material transportation through the neighborhood. Kelly Warnock, who lives near the property, said residents were given limited information about the proposal and questioned what the operation could become if the company expands. She also questioned whether the city’s zoning regulations were being applied consistently. City officials clarified that the property is zoned RA, or rural agricultural. Although residences are permitted in the zone, it is not one of the city’s traditional residential zones. The city’s current code lists specific uses that may receive special use permits in the rural agricultural district, including boarding houses, rest homes, cemeteries, child-care centers, churches, schools and veterinary facilities. Council members differed over how the outdated zoning code should be interpreted. Barnhurst acknowledged that his proposed work involves greater risks than an ordinary business but said the operation would be subject to “multiple layers” of regulation. Discussion eventually turned toward whether the council had enough information to make a decision. Council members said they wanted a written business plan detailing exactly what Barnhurst intends to do at the property, as well as more information about safety measures, transportation, regulatory requirements and the potential long-term use of the site. The mayor said he also planned to seek a legal opinion on whether the existing zoning ordinance allows the council to approve the requested special use permit under the current language. The council also discussed a possible resolution concerning data centers and large solar arrays. The mayor said he preferred to wait for the county’s Blue Ribbon Committee to make recommendations before pursuing a city resolution. The Aug. 24 Blue Ribbon Committee was postponed until further notice.