Dear Editor, A proposed land development plan for a 40-acre hilltop site in Grants, New Mexico, presents an exciting opportunity for the region. This vision combines a Southwest-style luxury spa with an observatory, capitalizing on the area's renowned dark skies and scenic vistas. This concept has the potential to attract both astronomy enthusiasts and wellness tourists, diversifying the local economy.
The vision centers on creating guiding principles for an extraordinary retreat that respects the natural environment. Key aspects include minimizing environmental impact, constructing an aesthetically pleasing retaining rock wall around the hillside, and implementing dark sky compliant lighting to enhance stargazing. The proposed land use allocates approximately five acres each for the observatory, the rock wall and sunset viewing path, parking and access, and ten acres for landscaping and open space. The hotel spa would occupy 15 acres.
The plan outlines several key components. The observatory would feature state-of-theart telescopes, a viewing deck, and educational exhibits. The hotel spa would offer luxury accommodations, a full-service spa, dining, and entertainment options. A rock wall path around the hilltop would provide designated viewing platforms for the enchanting New Mexico sunsets.
The development also emphasizes the use of native plants and the preservation of the natural terrain. Additionally, this location offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation, including golfing, hiking, and biking, and more. As well as leisurely day trips amidst the stunning mountain scenery and abundant cultural opportunities.
Several considerations and necessary steps remain. These include securing funding from investors with a shared vision for the community, navigating the challenges of hilltop construction, detailed planning, architectural designs, and fostering community support for economic transformation.
This enterprising concept has the potential to boost tourism and job creation, benefiting the local economy. The natural beauty and welcoming people of Grants, New Mexico, create a distinct possibility for a hilltop observatory and spa.
Natalie Candelaria
It’s a ‘No’ on SB5
Dear editor, I have worked closely on wildlife management and conservation issues in New Mexico for more than three decades. The subject matters greatly to anyone who hunts or fishes or lives or works near our wildlife or simply enjoys our wildlife species.
Senate Bill 5 could reach the House of Representatives for a vote early this week. We need to stop it. The bill would send the Game Commission down the same, overreaching path that the US Fish and Wildlife Service has been on over the past century.
The ranchers and farmers who do more for wildlife than almost anyone are overwhelmingly against this bill. That’s because we have experienced how “wildlife management” has been weaponized against rural decisions on land management, maintaining water supplies and infrastructure over time.
SB5 supporters have claimed that the bill will change nothing. That is false. Under SB5, the Commission would have regulatory power over land use, wildlife, and industry beyond what most legislators have been told. The bill expands the Game Commission’s scope, going beyond game management into habitat regulation. The Commission could interfere with many of New Mexico’s most important economic drivers such as farming, drilling, grazing, or infrastructure projects in areas it now deems critical for Statelisted species of concern. Private landowners, ranchers, and businesses could face new regulatory barriers that would threaten their continued operations and the local employment those operations support.
Please help keep the Game Commission focused on the scope it has had. Please call your representative and ask him or her to vote “No” on SB5.
Tom Shelley