At the June 1, 2009 City Council meeting, the City Council unanimously passed Councilor Michael Cadigan’s legislation providing for Council oversight of Subdivision Improvement Agreements (SIA) extensions.

“Intelligent growth and infrastructure development must go hand in hand and are critical for improving Albuquerque’s quality-of-life and economic viability,” said Councilor Cadigan. 

SIA’s are financial guarantees that developers will complete required public infrastructure in a timely manner.  Unfortunately, a growing problem exists where certain developers continue to request and receive extensions.  As a result, some roads are built for several hundred feet, then stop, then start up again several hundred feet later.  An example of this is McMahon Blvd west of Unser where only two lanes are currently built.
 
Councilor Cadigan’s ordinance also requires that developers inform the City’s Air Quality Division regarding SIA extensions so that fugitive dust permits remain valid and allows the Air Quality Division to determine if additional dust mitigation methods are necessary for longer extensions. 

Infrastructure delays negatively impact nearby communities.  “Council oversight ensures that extensions do not delay desperately needed infrastructure, including additional lanes of road and storm drains,” added Councilor Cadigan.