Industrial rail park in planning stages
Project proposed for undeveloped 1,400-acre site west of Los Lunas
A new industrial park served by rail is proposed for a 1,400-acre site west of Los Lunas.
The project developer, Rio Real Estate Investment Opportunities, on Thursday said it is asking Los Lunas to annex the property into the village and have it rezoned special use to permit the creation of a business and industrial complex.
Central New Mexico Rail Park is designed for large land users, such as thirdparty logistics operations, as well as sites for manufacturing, warehouse and distribution opportunities, said Lawrence Rael, a Rio Real Estate partner.
The undeveloped chunk of land is about four miles west of Los Lunas on the north side of N.M. 6.
The property, which wraps around the south and west sides of an existing quarry operation, stretches from the intersection of the highway and the Burlington Northern
Santa Fe railroad tracks west to Quintana Road.
Rael said development of the site would be a key asset in regional efforts to diversify the economy.
“A number of businesses looking to invest and set up operations have indicated they need access to rail services, so the location of this new industrial park very much fulfills that requirement,” said Rael, adding that the company has already purchased 400 acres from property owners to serve the projected first phase of tenants.
Rael declined to divulge the sales price, but said the partners have options to “draw down” additional chunks of land as new tenants come on line.
He said the company has hosted several visits for prospective tenants, who will be responsible for their own site development, although Rio will pay for infrastructure improvements, such as building roads and utilities.
The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Co. is on board to provide direct service to the 1,400-acre rail park.
“BNSF Railway is proud to support this new rail-served industrial development in New Mexico,” said Keary Walls, railway general manager of the southwest division.
“This new facility will be located on a BNSF main line known as the Glorieta subdivision, which offers access to the company’s route linking the ocean ports of Southern California to Chicago,” Walls said.