Mayor's Message for December 9th, 2022

Evergreens and Sandias

Many comments and suggestions have been received regarding the comprehensive plan. Several people would like to see some sort of senior condo village in the commercial core within walking distance of most activities in the village. Others would like to see more open space, limits on house sizes, side walks in the commercial area, and lighting in the commercial area to make night time activities safer. Others would like to see the village subsidize new business in the village, but the state constitution might not allow that. Because of traffic issues, a round about was suggested. In the previous document of 2008-2009, community wide sewage disposal and water system were suggested by some. You will be able to make your opinions known through our survey process that we are hoping to roll out in mid-January. Please take the time to respond and if you have other ideas send them to me or to the village clerk.

The construction of the new gym will begin soon. A ground breaking ceremony is set for the second week of January, 2023.

Closing on the Anderson property next to the post office will hopefully take place by the end of the year. Planning for the move of the Corrales Growers’ Market can then begin in earnest once the village owns the property. Purchase of the Gonzales property next to the bank has hit a couple of snags, but we are optimistic that it will proceed. No plans will be made for the Gonzales property until the Village becomes the official owner.

Covid Update

The viruses are still here and, in some communities, wreaking havoc. The number of people sick and hospitalized for respiratory illness statewide is extreme. Two of these illnesses, Influenza and Covid, have vaccinations available for anyone over 6 months of age.  There are things you can do to protect yourself, family, and friends: wear a mask when in a large gathering, wash your hands frequently, make certain your immunizations are current (don't forget the latest Covid booster), and monitor public health recommendations. Even though we no longer have a state-wide mask order, wearing a mask in crowded settings can help protect you from all respiratory illnesses.  If you are sick, stay home!  A home COVID test may take several days of illness to show positive or you may have influenza or RSV. It is the season of giving but don’t share your illness with others.  Remember treatment for COVID must begin within 5 days of illness, so it's important to seek treatment shortly after your symptoms begin.

Public Works Update

Michael Chavez, public works director for the Village of Corrales, met with Stantec Consulting Services last week to discuss the feasibility of installing a small treatment plant for the effluent from our STEP system. This treated water could be repurposed for irrigation of the soccer fields, road maintenance, and fire suppression in the Bosque. The treated water could be released into the Bosque much like the treated sewage water is released by the Rio Ranch plant into the Bosque just south of the Harvey Jones Canal. Repurposing this treated water would decrease the necessity of using our water rights or purchasing additional water.

Sagebrush drive from Corrales Road to Loma Larga will be closed to all through traffic beginning at 7 am on Monday, December 12th for repaving. Please find an alternate route during this time. Check the banner on the Village website, for updates and more information. We will post on the website, Twitter, and NextDoor when the road is re-open to traffic.

Crime and Safety Update

On Mon. 11/28 a resident reported receiving a text indicating that her bank account had been frozen and requesting that she provide her account number and personal information to unlock it. The citizen stated that the text appeared to be from her credit union so she provided the requested information and her account was emptied. Never provide personal or financial information to anyone without being absolutely sure about who you’re dealing with and take a few minutes to review the information concerning spam texts at the FTC web site: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages

At about 1:00PM on Mon. 11/28 police were advised that a rotary mower was stolen from a field off of the 6300 block of Corrales RD at an unknown time during the previous 24 hours. Please call CPD at 505-891-7226 with any information concerning this theft.

At approximately 11:49PM on Mon. 11/28 police observed a suspicious vehicle being driven around closed businesses in the area of Corrales RD and W. Meadowlark LN with an illegible license plate. The vehicle was stopped on Corrales RD near Via Faisan and discovered to be reported stolen out of Bernalillo. The 49-year-old female driver from Bernalillo and the 42-year-old male passenger from Algodones were both arrested for Receiving or Transferring a Stolen Vehicle and the recovered pick-up was released to its rightful owner.

On Tue. 11/29 a citizen reported that a check had been stolen out of her mailbox on Old Church RD in October. Always retrieve mail promptly, take outgoing items directly to the Post Office and consider getting a P.O. box for added security. https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/mail-theft

On Thu. 12/01 a 39-year-old male reported that at about 6:30 that morning a female whom he had recently met at a “Gentlemen’s Club” in Albuquerque arrived (by invitation) at his place of residence in Corrales and robbed him of his phone and the jewelry he was wearing at gunpoint. The alleged perpetrator has not been identified as of this date.

On Sun. 12/04 police were advised that three unlocked vehicles parked outside of two neighboring residences on E. Meadowlark had been entered overnight and property was stolen from within each of them. It’s best to park in your garage whenever possible, otherwise, be sure to remove all valuables and leave your vehicle locked with the alarm set.

Remember: SEE IT, HEAR IT, REPORT IT!

Upcoming Events

Holly Daze brought to you by Corrales MainStreet and Corrales Arts Center is an online auction going on now through December 11. Many items are available, just waiting for your bid. It is a fund raiser for a good cause. Visit the MainStreet website at visitcorrales.com to bid on something wonderful.

Don’t forget the Winter Growers’ Market special Christmas Market will be Sunday, December 18 from 11 am - 1 pm. Check their website for the full winder schedule corralesgrowersmarket.com

Corrales Historical Society is planning the Festival of the Nativities on December 17 and 18, 2022 from 10 am - 4 pm at the Historic Old San Ysidro Church. Stop by and see all the nativity scenes, some of which were made by local artists and others are family heirlooms.

Don’t overlook the Corrales Library Giving Tree sponsored by the Friends of the Corrales Library. Just pick a bag from the tree set up at the library and bring it back with the donation inside and give it to one of the many amazing volunteers at the desk.  Donations can be made now through January 7th!

Stay safe and healthy, get your vaccinations, and have a great week!

Jim Fahey

Corrales Mayor