The Hidden Risks of Opposing the Campbell Ranch Master Plan
Concerning Misconceptions
The future of our community hangs in the balance, and recent discussions about the Campbell Ranch Master Plan have revealed some concerning misconceptions. As your neighbors and fellow community members, we feel compelled to address these misunderstandings head-on. What many don't realize is that opposing the Master Plan could actually lead to less desirable outcomes for our shared landscape.
Many residents believe that opposing the Master Plan will prevent development altogether, preserving the land as open space. This understanding, while well-intentioned, overlooks an important reality: under current zoning regulations, previously approved by Bernalillo County, prior to the Master Plan annexation, this property could be divided into approximately 4,000 individual lots without any master planning requirements.
What would unplanned development mean for our community? Picture a landscape where each property owner:
Manages their own water rights independently - unchecked
Builds without architectural guidelines, potentially including reflective metal roofs visible for miles
Develops without consideration for preserving natural landscapes
Has no obligation to provide public access, trails, or community amenities
The Campbell Family Legacy and Vision
For over 85 years, the Campbell family has been the steward of one of New Mexico's most scenic landscapes. Since General Thomas D. Campbell first purchased this property in 1937, our family's vision has remained constant: to preserve the natural beauty of this land while allowing for thoughtful, sustainable development that enhances our community's future.
Contrary to some perceptions, we're not an outside corporation seeking to exploit the land. The Campbell Ranch is our future forever home. We'll share the same views, drink from the same wells, and live in this community alongside our neighbors. Our commitment to responsible development stems from our deep connection to this land.
Our family's dedication to conservation speaks for itself. We made the largest private land donation in New Mexico's history, gifting over 250,000 acres for preservation. Even the scenic Turquoise Trail (Highway 14) exists thanks to easements granted by our family.
Learning from Experience
Many current residents may not realize their homes sit on former Campbell land, including properties in PaaKo, San Pedro Creek Estates, and San Pedro Overlook. These earlier development phases taught us valuable lessons that shaped our Master Plan approach. While these communities are beautiful, they lack the comprehensive planning that could have created interconnected trail systems, public parks, and strategically preserved open spaces.
The Master Plan Difference
The Campbell Ranch Master Plan represents a thoughtful evolution in development approach, incorporating:
Sustainable water management through water reclamation and rainwater capture
Architectural guidelines that preserve the area's visual character
Preserved open spaces and public access
Trail systems connecting communities
Community centers and shared amenities
Clustered development that maximizes natural landscape preservation
Water Rights and Development
Some have expressed concerns about water availability delaying development. The truth is that Campbell Ranch has always possessed water rights, and development could have proceeded years ago. We've chosen to move forward deliberately and thoughtfully, ensuring every aspect aligns with our vision for responsible development. We'll be sharing detailed hydrogeological data soon, demonstrating the basin's actual capacity and dispelling misconceptions about water availability.
Looking Forward
We could have pursued rapid development twenty years ago, but that wasn't our vision. Instead, we've taken time to plan a community that enhances property values, preserves natural beauty, and creates lasting value for all residents. The Master Plan isn't just about building homes; it's about building a sustainable, beautiful community that honors the land's heritage while preparing for its future.
The choice before us isn't between development and preservation – it's between planned and unplanned development. Through the Campbell Ranch Master Plan, we can create a community that serves as a model for responsible development, preserving the natural beauty that first drew General Campbell to this remarkable place nearly a century ago.
