STATE News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard announced Thursday that the State Land Office is accepting bids on a parcel of state land near Eubank and Central (10501 Central Ave. NE) in Albuquerque related to a proposal to construct a new affordable housing community for the city’s senior citizens.

The Greater Albuquerque Housing Partnership (GAHP), which opened the 92-unit affordable Luminaria Senior Community (also on state trust land) across Central from the proposed site earlier this year, is proposing to build a second housing development, the Farolito Senior Community.

“We all know the cost of living can be a serious burden, particularly for senior citizens on a fixed income. The recently launched Luminaria senior housing project showed the State Land Office can work closely with other entities to find solutions to the most pressing problems facing New Mexicans,” Commissioner Garcia Richard said. “I’m excited about continuing to revitalize Central Avenue and the possibility of bringing an additional 80 to 90 much-needed affordable apartments to the community.”

“It’s partnerships and projects like these that are going to help us chip away at the housing gap and keep Albuquerque accessible,” Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said. “Making sure that folks in our city have a safe, affordable place to call home requires all of us to put our resources together to get it done. We look forward to what this will add to our Central corridor and the opportunities it will create for our seniors.”

The State Land Office hosted a public meeting on the proposed Farolito project Sept. 8 and advertised the request for bids to lease the 2.2+ acre parcel of state land. Bids on the parcel must be received by the State Land Office no later than 3 p.m. Dec. 13. The State Land Office will open all sealed bids received at a public auction at 310 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, at 10 a.m. Dec. 14. The winner will be awarded a 60-year lease.