Home Builders president tackles impact fees

LAS CRUCES ? There is a lot on the plate of whomever serves as president of the Las Cruces Home Builders Association in any given year. That is no different for Jennifer Sandoval with Robert Hines Construction and this year's president.

This year, though, one issue has clearly pulled away from the pack.

"No. 1 is impact fees," Sandoval said. "We are geared up and working on it full force right now."

New impact fees for major road and drainage construction are planned to be applied to any new residential or commercial development that occurs within the city. They were to go into effect on Jan. 1, but have been delayed until July 1.

Which means the clock is ticking.

Sandoval, a Las Cruces native who graduated from Mayfield High School and New Mexico State University, said that the struggle against impact fees is for a many more people than just the builders.

"This shows to not only local builders but all affiliates in our industry that the association is out there trying to help the building industry," she said. "It will impact everyone in our industry."

Steve Chavira, manager director with the Home Builders Association, said he feels positive, somewhat.

"Conversations we're having right now are optimistic for the notion that impact fees could get rescinded," he said. "Collectively people are saying they understand the reason against (the fees). If there is a strong alternative, they would support going away from them.

"The biggest thing we're finding

is it's created a dialogue between so many parties about impact fees and what the possibilities are for the future," Chavira said.

The struggle is important to Sandoval, 37, because construction is in her blood. She grew up in a family of builders. In fact, Sandoval knew her future husband, Robert, since she was 12.

"We grew up together, (both in) builders' families, that's how we met," she said. "We started dating when I was 17."

Sandoval owned a personal training studio for about a decade and she and Robert started the construction business together in 2000.

"I've always worked since I was 15," she said. "From the time I graduated college, I've always worked for myself."

Brook Stockberger may be reached at 575-541-5457; follow him on Twitter @Bstockberger

Source: http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-business/ci_22610348/home-builders-president-tackles-impact-fees?source=rss