The longtime nuisance property, the former Jewish Center located across from Intel on 528, has been a site of multiple fires and numerous police calls. After years of abandonment, the city of Rio Rancho is finally taking action to resolve the issue.
The recent fire at the building, which used to house the Jewish Center behind Hannes Park, has further deteriorated the structure, making it unsafe. Despite the owner’s attempts to deter unwanted entries with a fence, the problematic property continues to generate calls from concerned neighbors. While investigating the property violations, the Rio Rancho Police Department, Fire Marshall, and building and code enforcement have been involved since December of last year. However, they were unable to determine if an individual observed leaving the scene before the fire started was connected to the incident.
Over the course of ten months, the police department has responded to 47 calls regarding suspicious activity, criminal damage, and public nuisances related to the property. City officials have made numerous attempts to reach out to the owner regarding the ongoing safety and health concerns. As the owner has failed to address these issues, the city plans to address the matter during their next council meeting.
If approved, a resolution will require the property owner to clean up the area within ten days. Failure to comply will result in the city demolishing the building and placing a lien on the property to recover the incurred costs..
