More detail on What's Happening with the Roper Cement Plant Opposition

Opposition to Concrete Batch Plan: What’s Happening

Hearing Info: Our phone calls, letters, emails and signing the petition have worked!!! The New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) has agreed to hold a public hearing regarding the proposed Concrete Batch Plant at a yet to be determined location in the Alto-Ruidoso area. Due to Covid-19 related schedule delays, the date for the hearing has been set back to sometime in the winter of 2021-2022.

Coalition Info: The newly formed group, “The Alto Coalition for Environmental Preservation” or Alto CEP has been established by The Ranches of Sonterra Property Owners Association (ROSPOA), and includes representatives and participation from other neighborhoods including Alto Lakes, Rancho Ruidoso Valley Estates, Enchanted Forest, Sun Valley, Legacy Estates and Gray Fox Lane, as well as participation from a number of local businesses. A web page is under construction at AltoCEP.org so everyone can follow and keep up on the fight forward.

Attorney Info: Mr. Tom Hnasko from Hinkle Shanor LLP of Santa Fe has been hired and is actively working our case. Mr. Hnasko is a well respected and a nationally recognized environmental and natural resources attorney with lengthy credentials. Mr. Hnasko has estimated legal costs could be as high as $500,000 due to the complexity of our case. The Ranches of Sonterra Property Owner’s Association has contributed $10,000 to fund Mr. Hnasko’s initial work on our case.

Donation Info: The Alto CEP is requesting donations of any amount to help fund our legal objections. Ruidoso CPA Phyllis Bewley will oversee the account, which will be used exclusively for legal costs.

Currently donations can be made in two ways: 1. Checks or Money Orders payable to “ROSPOA”, with a memo note designating “CBP Legal Fund". Send to: Phyllis Bewley, CPA-POB 123, Ruidoso, NM 88355 Attn: ROSPOA CBP Legal Fund

2. Or donations can be made via PayPal at theranchesofsonterra.com or AltoCEP.org. Monthly account statements showing balances, contributions and expenditures will be made public and available at theranchesofsonterra.com website. The identity of all donors will be anonymous. Please note - DONATIONS ARE NOT TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

Next Meeting Info: The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday September 16 at 7 pm at the Alto Lakes Country Club in the Pavilion Room. Mr. Tom Hnasko will be present to field questions. Everyone concerned about the proposed concrete batch plant on Hwy 220 is invited to attend.