Doña Ana County commissioners on Nov. 14 heard a presentation on a petition from the city of Sunland Park to annex approximately 2,625 acres along the city’s western boundary for a master‑planned mixed‑use development called Santa Teresa West (also discussed as Santa Teresa Estates). Planning staff said most parcels are privately owned and contiguous to Sunland Park, and that county Development Review Committee members recommended the city consider filling “donut hole” gaps and addressing private‑road ownership along Country Club Road.

Public commenters and several commissioners said many residents in the area had not received notice. Christopher Lyons, who spoke during public comment, said, “I was not noticed about this,” and urged the county and city to hold required planning sessions to solicit input from affected residents.

Assistant County Manager Stephen Lopez warned the board that the proposed annexation could complicate service delivery and planning for dissolution of the Camino Real regional utility (CRU): private roads and islanded county parcels could make it more costly and legally difficult for the county to maintain services outside Sunland Park’s future boundaries. Lopez said Sunland Park’s city manager planned to place a concept for service areas before the city council on Dec. 3, which could leave the county without final positions in time for its next action.

Given these concerns, Commissioner Reynolds moved—and the board seconded—to postpone the county’s response and formally directed legal counsel to research options and possible actions. The motion passed unanimously; the item was added to the Nov. 25 agenda.

Next steps: county legal staff will analyze statutory options and service agreements, and staff will seek further public outreach and coordination with Sunland Park before the Nov. 25 meeting.