SANTOLINA UP FOR DISCUSSION

A MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL…THE BIGGEST EVER IN BERNALILLO COUNTY…GOES BEFORE COUNTY PLANNERS WEDNESDAY MORNING. THE SANTOLINA MASTER PLAN COVERS ALMOST 14-THOUSAND ACRES SOUTHWEST OF I-40 AND 118TH STREET. COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER ENRICO GRADI SAYS, EVEN IF THE PLANNING COMMISSION GIVES A THUMBS UP, THAT'S NOT THE FINAL WORD ON THE MATTER.  THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAS THE FINAL SAY.  THE DEVELOPER ENVISIONS 90-THOUSAND PEOPLE LIVING IN THE AREA WITHIN 50 OR 60 YEARS. OPPONENTS SAY IT WOULD PUT TOO MUCH STRAIN ON THE AREA'S WATER SUPPLY.