Santa Fe Development News

City Council Denies Appeal for Proposed Marriott Hotel Amid Traffic and Zoning Concerns

The City Council heard an appeal from the Old Santa Fe Association regarding the planning commission's decision to approve a development plan by Titan Development for a four-story, 150-room Marriott hotel. The appeal argued that the original application lacked complete and accurate data, particularly concerning traffic, access, and water usage, and that city and state processes were not fully followed. Several residents voiced concerns about traffic congestion, safety at the intersection of Serios Road and St. Francis Drive, aesthetic compatibility, and the project's impact on quality of life. The applicant, Titan Development, maintained that the project fully complies with C2 zoning standards and that the traffic study was conducted according to city and state guidelines. After extensive deliberation and public comment, the council voted to deny the appeal with a condition that the applicant must obtain a letter of support from the New Mexico Department of Transportation regarding the traffic impact analysis. If this letter cannot be obtained or if the DOT finds issues, the project would be remanded back to the planning commission for further review with a new traffic impact analysis. The motion to deny the appeal with the condition passed 4-1, with one abstention, though it was noted that overturning a planning commission decision typically requires five votes, leading to confusion about the finality of the vote.