ASK Academy gym moves forward despite some community concerns

RIO RANCHO — The ASK Academy recently received approval from the city to build a conference center.

But it didn't get the green light from the Rio Rancho Governing Body Dec. 18 without criticism from some residents, who wanted the project moved or even downsized to accommodate the needs of nearby neighborhoods.

The 1,600-square-foot, $5.5 million Texico Conference Center, to be located west of the school off of Sundt Road Northeast, would include classroom space, a multipurpose room and a gymnasium, according to site plans. Residents who spoke during the governing body's public comment period said although they did not object to the concept of a gymnasium, they thought that the project should be voted down for now because of the issues they believe it poses for them.

Rio Rancho resident Joseph Curreri, who lives near the school, spoke during the meeting,  stating, in part, that a large facility erected behind single-family homes does not comply with the city's adopted planning and zoning standards. He also demanded the city require ASK Academy to revise the plan, scaling down the project only to a gymnasium and locker rooms and moving them southwest of the current location.

"These are reasonable, common-sense adjustments that would significantly reduce impacts on neighboring homes," Curreri said.

Rio Rancho resident Manuelita Woulfe, who lives near the school, echoed Curreri's proposal when she spoke, highlighting her desire to consolidate larger buildings in one place rather than introducing "a new, high-volume structure" near homes.

"This approach would be more compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and would minimize visual and scale impact on adjacent homes," Woulfe said. "We believe that this alternative placement would allow the project to move forward while balancing the needs of the school with the livability of the surrounding neighborhood."

John Stapleton, project manager for Community Design Solutions, a firm working with ASK Academy on the project, told councilors his organization would take residents' concerns "into consideration." He proposed moving the gym 30 feet to the east and move the open space area between the gym and residential area.

Rio Rancho Development Services Director Amy Rincon said the city could move the facility, but she cautioned it would include additional costs and create "other concerns."

"If the public is going to move movie night, then we might have some sound issues," Rincon said. "So I just want to be fully transparent that when we start moving things, it gets a little bit complicated."

Rio Rancho District 4 Councilor Paul Wymer said he agreed.

"Next thing we'll hear is that movie night is too loud and we won't be able to sleep," he said.

Rio Rancho District 5 Councilor Karissa Culbreath said she was opposed to any changes to the project.

"I would have problems with moving a building 30 feet without examination. I get very concerned when city reaches into ownership," she said. "If we want to protect the view that we have, we just have buy everything between where we are and what we want to see."

Culbreath added that she is supportive of the gymnasium and what it could mean for the ASK Academy students.

Ben Garcia, chief executive officer of the ASK Academy, was on hand during the meeting but did not speak extensively. He did not respond to request for comment following the governing body's decision.