Realtor testifies to Tech Regents on property value losses

We provide the full testimony of Randell Major, a local real estate broker, as given to the New Mexico Tech Regents at their February 19th meeting

Background

My Name is Randell Major. I am a NM State licensed Real Estate Broker. I have handed you all a copy of the petition against the proposed Drop Zone signed by local realtors. My wife, kids, and I live and own private land under the low-level flight path, 3 miles north of the proposed Drop Zone.

Peaceful rural lifestyle in jeopardy

We purchased this land for hundreds of thousands of dollars in order to live in a peaceful and quiet area, with fresh air, lots of sunshine, beautiful views, excellent climate, and abundance of fresh underground water. We chose this area knowing our land would appreciate greatly over time. We live minutes from the schools, Emergency facilities, and other necessary supplies.

Property value losses will hurt property owners and harm tax base

Our assessed lands require us to pay taxes to the County. I know for a fact what this proposed Drop Zone is going to do to my home, and my neighbors’ homes, and their land values. There are already sales on hold due to the news of these potential C-130’s. As a Realtor, in our NM Real Estate Contracts, in the Environmental section of the Disclosure statement it states, “Are there any excessive noises (such as airplanes, trains, trucks, freeways, etc.).” This must be pointed out to potential purchasers because it has a negative environmental impact. 720 missions a year, possibly 45 flyovers a day, as low as 150 feet, 20% of the flights being at night time, air to ground ammunitions firing, and the potential for other contracts to the proposed Drop Zone. You cannot tell me that this will NOT have a SIGNIFICANT, negative impact on the value of our land! I have had listings on the East side of the Rio Grande. I know how difficult it is to make a sale in this area because it is in a Military Flight path. I know the effect that this can have on land values. I might add that these landowners are compensated for their losses. It is irresponsible of Tech to not consider area landowners!

Important points

I would like to clarify that:

1. This area is not currently an active military fly zone.
2. That I have never witnessed a C-130 over fly my home until the day of the test flight and it was very loud and annoying. We ran outside to see what it was.
3. Dr. Van Romero stated that this is not for money, but that it is mandated by NM statute 21-11-8-3 to conduct training, and that this is the reason for this proposed Drop Zone. If there is no financial gain, and the Air Force already has an area to practice, then why do this? You are already meeting this statute by allowing the current training at EMRTC.
4. It is my understanding that if this does NOT happen, that no EMRTC employees will lose their jobs.
5. We have always supported New Mexico Tech and the important research they provide, and I want it to grow in the future. It supports the local economy. But I truly believe this infringes on property rights. I would hope that Tech would wait for another opportunity that would benefit everyone, not just a few.

Tech failed to consult local landowners

Something of this magnitude will obviously affect local landowners. It makes me question the accuracy of this assessment. This proposed Drop Zone would conflict directly with the proposed race horse training facilities, proposed wind powered turbines for the purposes of producing electricity, Game and Fish department’s surveying of wildlife, for future homes, and for CURRENT homes, just to mention a few.

Tech did not consult area landowners or surrounding communities. The village of Magdalena and the Alamo Navajo tribe have both passed resolutions unanimously against the proposed Drop Zone due to the deterioration of the area’s reputation and our quality of life (Alamo resolution and Magdalena resolution) .

Landowners are not overreacting

I have set back and asked myself to look at this as “This is no big deal and it will all be ok.” When I do that, I know that there is absolutely no doubt that this is going to have a HUGE negative effect on me and my neighbors, and everyone in this County. This is going to set military precedence, and will take from the area’s reputation of its peaceful quality of life.

As a solution, I would recommend that Tech stop this. If you wish to proceed, look into other unpopulated areas to purchase for this proposed Drop Zone. I would be more than happy to assist you in your real estate needs.

Conclusion

In closing, I would like to say: for Tech to state that there is no significant impact to the landowners and the people below, is not true. This is a property rights takings and this will not stand.

I appreciate the time you have given me to voice my concerns. Thank you ~ Randell Major

Further reading

For an even deeper understanding of the issues surrounding the proposed drop zone, we encourage our readers to look at our other articles on this topic, in the Politics section of our site.