Mesa Film Studio going before Albuquerque planning committee for approval
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The City of Albuquerque is getting ready to hear updated plans for a potential film studio west of town . This comes after community members voiced concerns about the project being built close to a popular open space.
Mesa Film Studios is looking to build its production hub near Double Eagle Airport and the Petroglyph National Monument. City representatives said this project is crucial to developing New Mexico's film industry. "We think that this is really going to be a great value added to film and television production for New Mexico," said Manny Manriquez, Deputy Director for Innovation & Commercial Development.
A new film and production hub could soon be built off Atrisco Vista Blvd., promising to ramp up film production in the metro. Mesa Film Studios is presenting plans to the city's Environmental Planning Commission this Thursday that will show what it would look like. "Multiple sound stages, there would be milling space for the creation of sets and props, there would be studio space and also backlot space," said Manriquez.
However, development plans in the area near Double Eagle II Airport have drawn concerns from tribal groups and nearby communities who say building projects close to the neighboring Petroglyph National Monument and open space could ruin the natural landscape. City officials said Mesa Film Studios has listened to those concerns and incorporated public input into the latest designs.
"We're confident that we've done our due diligence, and we've got more good work to come and we're confident that we have good information to share at Thursday's EPC session. Whatever feedback comes back from the community, we'll address that and take it very seriously," said Manriquez.
The changes include swapping out certain plants and replacing them with native species, based on recommendations from Petroglyph National Monument. Also, they would build the studio more than 1,000 feet away from Atrisco Vista Blvd. to minimize visibility from the Petroglyphs and paint the buildings in desert tones to be more compatible with the area's natural color palette. "We hope that we can get the support that we need to move forward because this is an economy that really needs a boost and we need to create these jobs," said Manriquez.
The Environmental Planning Commission is scheduled to hear the latest plans this Thursday. The city said the entire Mesa Film Studios would be nearly 100 acres once completed. They would aim to break ground early next year.
