Village of Virden

Transcription

Village of Virden

VILLAGE OF
VIRDEN
COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN
Adopted
8/14/2009
Prepared by:
Village of Virden, New Mexico
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Village of Virden Comprehensive Plan
Virden, New Mexico
Village Mayor and Council
Archie Payne, Mayor
Howard Syra, Mayor Pro Tem
C. Kent Clouse
Rebecca Brown
Rulene Jensen
Nelda, Potter, Village Clerk & Treasurer
Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments
Priscilla Lucero, Executive Director
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee
Rebecca Brown
Bonice Jensen
Charlene Jones
Priscilla C. Lucero
Nelda Potter
Cynthia Stoehner
Kent Clouse
Rulene Jensen
Hollie Jones
Archie Payne
Jana Rinard
Howard Syra
Consultant Team
CommunityByDesign
621 Vassar Drive NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-508-3361
and
Southwest Planning and Marketing
Adopted August 14, 2009
The Village of Virden Comprehensive Plan was made possible by a CDBG planning grant from the
Local Government Division of the NM Department of Finance and Administration administered by
Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VILLAGE OF VIRDEN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................... 1
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................... 1
2. VISION STATEMENT ........................................................................................................................................... 3
3. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION ....................................................................................................................... 4
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE......................................................................................... 4
INTERVIEWS .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
COMMUNITY MEETINGS .......................................................................................................................................... 4
4. COMMUNITY PROFILE ....................................................................................................................................... 6
HISTORY OF VIRDEN ................................................................................................................................................ 6
COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS.............................................................................................................................. 10
5. LAND AND WATER ELEMENT ..................................................................................................................... 12
A. LAND AND WATER EXISTING CONDITIONS/USES:..................................................................................... 12
B. LAND USE VALUES, GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: ........................................................... 14
6. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT ................................................................................................... 17
A. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS/ISSUES: .................................................................... 17
B. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT VALUES, GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: ............................. 19
7. HOUSING ELEMENT ......................................................................................................................................... 21
A. HOUSING CONDITIONS/ISSUES: ..................................................................................................................... 21
B. HOUSING VALUES, GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: ............................................................ 22
8. INFRASTRUCTURE/COMMUNITY FACILITIES ELEMENT ............................................................... 24
A. INFRASTRUCTURE/COMMUNITY FACILITIES EXISTING CONDITIONS/ISSUES: ...................................... 24
B. INFRASTRUCTURE/COMMUNITY FACILITIES VALUES, GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:27
9. TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT .................................................................................................................... 29
A. TRANSPORTATION EXISTING CONDITIONS/ISSUES:................................................................................... 29
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
B. TRANSPORTATION VALUES, GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: ............................................ 30
10. HAZARDS MITIGATION ELEMENT .......................................................................................................... 32
A. HAZARDS MITIGATION ELEMENT ................................................................................................................. 32
B. HAZARD MITIGATION VALUES, GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: ........................................ 33
11. IMPLEMENTATION ELEMENT.................................................................................................................. 34
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ADMINISTRATION, AMENDMENT AND UPDATE..................................................... 34
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY PRIORITIES........................................................................................................ 34
HIGHEST PRIORITY/PHASE I IMPLEMENTATION (2009-2013) ............................................................ 35
PHASE II IMPLEMENTATION (2014-2018) ............................................................................................... 36
PHASE III IMPLEMENTATION (2019-2023) .............................................................................................. 37
APPENDIX ................................................................................................................................................................. 40
A. COMMUNITY MEETING NOTICE...................................................................................................................... 41
B. COMMUNITY MEETING COMMENTS ............................................................................................................... 42
C. COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE NOTICE ............................................................................................................... 48
D. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES VOTING SUMMARY .................................................................................. 49
TABLE OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1: VIRDEN POPULATION TRENDS FROM 1930 TO 2007 .................................................................... 10
FIGURE 2: VILLAGE OF VIRDEN AGE DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION............................................................ 11
FIGURE 3: VIRDEN HISTORIC POPULATION 1930 - 2007 ................................................................................. 17
FIGURE 4: VIRDEN DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS IN 2000 ....................................................................... 18
FIGURE 5: VIRDEN SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS IN 2000 ....................................................... 19
FIGURE 6: VIRDEN HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS IN 2000 ................................................................................. 21
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
VILLAGE OF VIRDEN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Village of Virden Comprehensive Plan is prepared to provide direction and priorities for
the future of the Village regarding Land and Water, Economic Development, Housing,
Infrastructure/Community Facilities, Transportation, and Hazards Mitigation.
The Comprehensive Plan was developed through an extensive community participation
process that included a citizen steering committee that drafted the plan's vision and goals
statement, and a well-attended community meeting that prioritized the plan's
implementation strategies.
Over 60 implementation strategies were identified to achieve the plan's vision and goals.
These strategies were prioritized into three phases, beginning with the highest priority
strategies for the years 2009 to 2013. The highest priority strategies are presented here
reflecting the community's values and critical needs.
An abbreviation precedes each strategy listed below to identify the element which the
strategy applies to. The six elements are abbreviated as follows:
L&W
ED
H
ICF
T
HM
=
=
=
=
=
=
Land and Water Element
Economic Development Element
Housing Element
Infrastructure/Community Facilities Element
Transportation Element
Hazards Mitigation Element
HIGHEST PRIORITY/PHASE I IMPLEMENTATION (2009-2013)
(Not listed in order of priority)
•
L&W Strategy 2: Provide incentives for property owners to maintain ditches, headgates, and
culverts to enable delivery of water for street trees and for outdoor domestic irrigation.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
•
L& W Strategy 3: Develop a Landscape Management and Maintenance Program that
evaluates the condition of the trees and landscapes along Village streets. Develop a
maintenance program that regularly cares for the landscape and establish a program to
identify and replace vegetation that is in decline or missing.
•
L& W Strategy 13: Improve the scenic and visual impression of Virden by organizing
scheduled clean and pick-up days and a Village-wide beautification effort that removes
weeds and litter.
•
ED Strategy 3: Create a historical settlers museum in the old school building.
•
ED Strategy 9: Provide support and promote distance learning opportunities for youth and
adults through the library.
•
H Strategy 1: Contact property owners to encourage them to rehabilitate or demolish
abandoned buildings and to survey them regarding their desire for rehabilitation assistance.
•
H Strategy 6: Establish a regular schedule for community cleanups and combine the
cleanups with a community celebration or other event.
•
ICF Strategy 3: Pursue funding from institutions such as the Water Trust Board, the NM
Legislature and the New Mexico Finance Authority for the planning, design and construction
of a quality wastewater treatment facility.
•
ICF Strategy 9: Work with telecommunication providers to improve wireless phone service
in the Valley.
•
ICF Strategy 14: Explore development of a multi-use center offering fitness, games, music,
arts, continuing education and college-level courses. Offer organized social and
recreational programs.
•
T Strategy 1: Investigate improved road surface treatments to limit dust and reduce
maintenance needs, such as Polypavement or chipseal.
•
T Strategy 4: Pursue funding sources and partner with agencies, such as Hidalgo County
and NM Department of Transportation, to design and implement necessary highway safety
measures (erecting signs or signals, reduce runoff and flooding of roadway, construct
structures to span flooding) to allow residents and emergency vehicles all-weather
accessibility in the Village.
•
T Strategy 5: Evaluate the overall street and pedestrian system, assess needs, assess safety
functions, and develop a functional system of pathways and trails for pedestrians and
bicyclists. Rehabilitate traditional pedestrian paths along streets as the core of the system.
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1. INTRODUCTION
VILLAGE OF VIRDEN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
1. INTRODUCTION
The Village of Virden Comprehensive Plan is a policy document that establishes what the
residents, property owners and other stakeholders would like to see in the future for the
Village. Through a framework of community values, goals and strategies, the Comprehensive
Plan defines the direction in which the Village Councilors should guide the Village.
The Comprehensive Plan does not change any existing, nor create any new, laws, regulations
or requirements, but it does recommend policies that suggest changes to these
implementation tools. An approved Comprehensive Plan is an advisory document of the
Village that establishes a basis for the regulations and programs necessary to manage current
and future development within the Village. The Plan identifies and analyses growth and
development issues and indicates how the local residents and their elected officials envision
the community developing in the next 20 years.
The Comprehensive Plan defines a Community Vision and describes the Elements of:
• Land and Water
• Economic Development
• Housing
• Infrastructure/Community Facilities
• Transportation
• Hazards Mitigation
• Implementation.
For each Element, there is an overview of the existing conditions/issues, followed by a set of
Values, Goals, and Implementation Strategies established for that Element.
• Issues are those concerns that the residents would like to see changed in the
community;
• Values are the community characteristics that give Virden a special sense of
place that the residents would like to see preserved or enhanced in the future
and would not like to see changed as a result of the plan;
• Goals are statements of a desirable state or condition to be achieved in the
future;
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1. INTRODUCTION
•
Implementation strategies are action tasks such as policy statements, new
regulations, or "next steps" needed to achieve the desired goal. The
Implementation Strategies for all the Elements are listed and prioritized in the
Implementation Element.
It should be noted that the implementation of some of these strategies, such as for grants,
may require a match of monies or in-kind services from the Village, or require an increase in
Village expenditures for maintenance or capital improvements.
The implementation of the Comprehensive Plan will be overseen by an Implementation
Committee that will be appointed by the Village Mayor and Council and be representative of
the diverse community interests. The role of the Implementation Committee will be to
coordinate, facilitate and direct the implementation of the strategies identified for each of
the Elements of the Plan. The Committee will report directly to the Village Mayor and
Council on their activities and provide recommendations on the capital improvement plan,
and legislative budget requests and initiatives.
This Comprehensive Plan is a living document that is intended to be updated and amended
as programs and regulations are implemented and conditions within the Village change and
evolve.
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2. VISION STATEMENT
VILLAGE OF VIRDEN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
2. VISION STATEMENT
“Virden is a beautiful, quiet farming community that
values the warmth, care and acceptance that people
have for one another. We will sustain our charm
through preserving our historical roots, encouraging
locally-based economic development and creating a
place where our children can stay to live and work.”
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3. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
VILLAGE OF VIRDEN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
A comprehensive and community-based planning process was determined to be important
in developing the Comprehensive Plan for Virden. This approach resulted in a citizen driven
process which had three major components: a Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee;
several interviews with community leaders and stakeholders; community input through a
community planning workshop and a community open house held on the draft plan.
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE
A 12-member Citizen Steering Committee was suggested by the Village Mayor and
Councilors at the outset of the planning process. The Committee was comprised of residents,
business interests, students, educators, representatives of Southwest New Mexico Council of
Governments and Mayor and Councilors. The Committee met four times during the
planning process, providing direction and establishing the initial values, goals and strategies
based on the public’s input at a community wide meeting.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews were conducted with community leaders in the area who were suggested by the
Village Council. The interviews included civic and business representatives. The interview
participants identified issues and offered opportunities that the Village could pursue in
developing strategies. These opportunities included collaborative partnerships, funding
sources and assistance programs.
COMMUNITY MEETINGS
An initial community meeting was held on March 21, 2009 to gather input on the
community’s issues, opportunities and aspirations. Over 35 residents attended the meeting.
The participants gathered around a table and shared their values and concerns regarding
each of seven Elements. Brainstorming about the future of the Village in the coming decades
was encouraged. The outcome of this exercise is presented in Chapters 5 through 10.
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A second community meeting was conducted on the draft Comprehensive Plan on July 4,
2009. Over 180 area residents participated in the open house meeting. There were eight
stations established, with each station representing the Vision statement or one of the Plan
Elements. The participants were asked to review the goal statements and implementation
strategies for each element and make revisions to them, if desired. The participants were also
provided five dots and were instructed to place a dot next to those implementation strategies
they felt were the highest priority. Since there was a total of 63 implementation strategies
recommended in the plan, this was one method of prioritizing which strategies were most
important to the community residents. The outcome of this prioritization is presented in
Chapter 11: Implementation Element.
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4. COMMUNITY PROFILE
VILLAGE OF VIRDEN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
HISTORY OF VIRDEN
Scattered bands of Paleo-Indians roamed over vast portions of New Mexico as far back as
10,000 years ago, although no sites of these earliest inhabitants have been found in Hidalgo
County. Archeologists surmise that the caves at nearby Gila Cliff Dwellings were quite likely
used from the Archaic to historical times.
Mogollon tribes called the Gila home from about 1100 A.D. to 1450 A.D. Around 1300
A.D., on the other side of the Gila River from present day Virden, a Mogollon village
flourished. Then, about fifty to a hundred years later, another village was built upriver from
Virden. Drought is touted as the prime suspect of the disappearance of the Mogollon
people, but assimilation as well as the arrival of the Apaches may be part of the picture.
Whatever the reason, the original inhabitants along the Gila River vanished, leaving room for
newcomers. And into this ribbon of an oasis along the Gila, newcomers did arrive. All of
them—Apache, Spanish and Anglo—were eager to claim it. Some conflict was inevitable.
Around 1500, the Apaches arrived. Before the 1700s, Spanish explorers had some
encounters with Apaches, but after 1700, Apache raids on Spanish settlements took on a
greater intensity. In 1780 Juan Bautista de Anza made an exploratory expedition, seeking a
better trade route between New Mexico and Sonora. Some evidence suggests that de Anza’s
route may have followed the Gila through the Virden Valley. Finally, he rejected a proposed
route from Zuni toward the Gila, not only because the terrain was rough, but because there
were too many Apaches. Spanish attacks on the Apaches and Apache attacks on the Spanish
continued through the late 1700s, but by the 1800s the conflicts between these two groups
had slowed down.
The 1800s were a time of expansion for southern New Mexico and the Virden area as well.
By 1807, the Spanish were transporting 20,000 mule loads of copper ore a year out of the
Santa Rita del Cobre mine. In addition, the area began to experience the presence of mule
trains from the north as people bringing goods along the Santa Fe Trail from Missouri aimed
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their sights on San Diego and Los Angeles. In the 1880s, the Gila River Trail and the Old
Spanish Trail were seen as possible ways for the wagons to reach California.
Relations with the Apaches, both for the Spanish and Anglo people, fluctuated greatly during
the 1800s. In 1835 a bounty was offered on Apaches and a Kentucky bounty hunter tricked
and massacred many, which in turn caused the Apache bands to go on the war path.
Apache attacks became so frequent and intense that, by 1850, the copper mine closed.
After the Civil War, however, southern New Mexico put its energy into economic
development. All over the state sheep raising, farming, and running open range cattle were
steadily growing. Emigrants and cattle drives headed out along the Gila Trail. And then silver
was discovered. Silver City, of course, and other towns grew quickly; some are now just
ghost towns. Among the towns that the presence of silver created was Richmond-- now
Virden-- established on the Gila in the 1870s to provide water for the silver mines in the
Virginia Mining District.
With increased settlement and development, the day of the raiding Apache was coming to
an end. Because of continued raiding the Warm Springs Band and Arizona Apaches had
been forcibly relocated to the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona. Some of these, including
Geronimo, however, eventually escaped to Mexico. With Geronimo’s surrender in 1889, by
the turn of the century, not only were Apache problems behind residents of the Virden area,
but the silver was mostly played out. Even the nearby diamond swindle, where the land was
supposedly “salted” with diamonds, was history. Virden became a trade center for area
ranchers.
Then, in 1910, two years before statehood, the Mexican Revolutionary War set events in
motion which would give quite a boost to Virden. Because of the revolution, Mormon
settlers in Chihuahua were commanded to leave immediately. One descendant wrote: “All
they took with them was what they could put in the wagon. It was hard to leave all their
possessions behind them. They left their homes, their pantries full of milk, cheese and butter,
their cows, horses, and chickens, and their gardens.”
Many of these Mormon refugees ended up living for awhile in government provided tents. In
1916, however, Ernest W. Virden, president of the Gila Ranching Company, decided to sell
the Virden Valley to some of those seeking a new opportunity. He charged them $50,000
for the valley, $5,000 down and $5,000 a year. That year, 1916, the settlers changed the
name of the village from Richmond to Virden in his honor.
Virden incorporated as a Village in 1930. The Gila River, the Mormon Church, agriculture
and self-sufficiency were the foundations of the Villager’s life. The Mormon heritage of the
community is detailed in the unpublished History of Virden New Mexico by Joseph F.
Moffett, first written in 1935 and revised in the 1950’s. In the 1920’s and 1930’s, the Potato
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Growers Association was the mainstay for economic development of the community. The
shipping of cream to Phoenix provided income for local farmers from 1920 until it was
discontinued in 1965. By the 1950’s growing potatoes was no longer the economic
foundation it had been for the community.
As Virden residents look to the future, they may find the most pressing problem they face is
an ancient one in a modern guise: water. The Southwest New Mexico Regional Water Plan,
though much more complex than an equivalent concern in the times of the Mogollon
peoples, is just as vital as were the ancient means of preserving water for agriculture. The
wise use of water, whether it is underground or flowing in the Gila, and prosperity for the
people of Virden remain fundamentally connected.
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COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS
Demographics help to illustrate how a community is growing and changing over time. This
understanding assists with planning for the future needs of education, housing, health care,
social services, and economic development. One of the resources of Virden is the people of
Virden themselves. Though the population has had its ups and downs, the number of
people living in Virden has remained relatively stable over the years. In the 1930s, the
population was around 200 residents. The 1980 census exceeded that number, but the
population has declined since then. The 2000 census counts 143 persons, 19 of which are
Hispanic and 124 of which are non-Hispanic. There are 53 children under 20 years of age
in Virden or more than one third of the population. Over 70% of the adult population has
either a high school education or some college education.
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS
According to the 2000 Census, the Village of Virden has a population of 143 persons, a
13.2% increase from 1990. Virden’s population has fluctuated over the past 50 years. The
largest increase occurred between 1970 and 1980. The population has varied since then.
The Census Bureau population estimate in 2007 was 112.
Figure 1: Virden Population Trends from 1930 to 2007
VIRDEN POPULATION TRENDS
300
POPULATION
250
200
246
196
206
146
150
135
151
143
112
108
100
50
0
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
YEAR
Source: NM Economic Development Department Community Profile
AGE DISTRIBUTION
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1990
2000
2007
The median age for Virden is approximately 31.8 years old, three years younger than that for
both Hidalgo County and the State. The age distribution of the population is shown in
Figure 2. Across the nation, the baby boomers are aging, increasing the demand for health
and human services. Youth conversely require education and recreational services,
particularly during their younger years. Following graduation, youth often leave the
community to seek post-secondary education opportunities. A challenge for the Village is
creating enough economic activity to encourage Virden’s youth to either remain in the
Village or return following a post-secondary education.
People 65 and over are less than 14.7% of the total Village population. This compares to the
State at 11.6% of the total population and Hidalgo County at 11.7%. Youth aged 19 and
under are 37.0% of the population. This is slightly more than the County total at 35.3% and
the State total of 31.0% of the total population. The 20-64 age group as a percentage of the
total population is 48.3%, lower than the State total at 55.8%.
Families as a percentage of the total number of households account for 79.2% of all
households. This is considerably greater than for the State (68.8%).
Figure 2: Village of Virden Age Distribution of Population
VIRDEN POPULATION DISTRIBUTION
65 & over
15%
0-19
37%
20-64
48%
Source: NM Economic Development Department Community Profile
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5. LAND AND WATER ELEMENT
VILLAGE OF VIRDEN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
A. LAND AND WATER EXISTING CONDITIONS/USES:
Virden is located approximately three miles east of the Arizona-New Mexico state line and
one mile north of the Gila River. The village comprises an area of 0.22 square miles with 45
occupied homes, about 89 percent of which are owner occupied.
TRADITIONAL LAND USES
This agrarian community has relied on the verdant and fertile floodplain of the Gila River for
their survival. Farming and ranching have been the traditional land uses in the area. The
Village itself is almost entirely residential, with agricultural activity limited to the surrounding
lands.
FARMING
There was much farming in the upper part of the Virden Valley before the arrival of
the Mormon settlers in 1915. Farming continued to support the community
following the incorporation of Virden. The Old Potato Shed, formerly located just
east of town, was used to process potatoes and onions for distribution in New Mexico
and Arizona. Currently, grain, alfalfa, cotton, chilies, and melons are the principal
crops farmed in the fields south of the Village. This activity is primarily by a few
larger-scale growers. There are limited jobs in farming available in the area and none
in the Village limits.
RANCHING
Open range cattle ranching in the Virden Valley dates back to the post civil war era.
The Gila Ranch Company was running cattle in the area in 1915, when the Mormon
settlers purchased the land and established Virden. Cattle continue to play an
important role in the area, both in cattle ranching and in dairy production. Limited
jobs in ranching are available in the area.
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MINING
Mining has been a major industry in the area surrounding Virden since the discovery
of copper in the early 1800’s and the opening of the silver mines near Silver City in
the 1870’s. Many residents today commute to mining industry jobs near Safford,
Arizona, 45 miles to the west.
While agriculture once was the primary livelihood for residents, in recent years land
ownership has changed and only a few of the larger landholders earn income from ranching
and farming. Viable agricultural enterprises generally require thousands of acres now.
Farming constitutes a small percentage of activities within the Village of Virden, with fields
located along the highway. Virden residents mainly commute to work outside of the Village.
The existing land uses in Virden are primarily residential and civic. Residential development
includes single family homes and a significant number of mobile homes. Several historic
structures remain in the Village; most notable are the Old Virden Church building and the
old school structures. The historic significance of the area and the integrity of the structures
may make the area eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
ZONING AND LAND USE REGULATIONS
Zoning regulations are used to designate permitted uses of land based on mapped zones.
Zoning may regulate building characteristics or they may separate one land use from
another. The Village of Virden does not have a zoning ordinance.
Subdivision regulations may be used to address community facilities, commercial and
industrial areas and residential development. The Village has not adopted any subdivision
regulations.
LAND USE ANALYSIS:
The Village is almost exclusively residential, with the exception of Nelda’s Quilt Shop. If
maintaining the character of the community is important, the Village may want to consider
enacting regulations on land use in the future.
There is no mapping of the existing or future land uses. Usually this type of mapping would
reflect the location, intensity and extent of land uses types. Identification of land use types
help to associate compatible and viable uses, protect sensitive resources, ensure efficient
land use and balance growth with infrastructure capacity.
Protection of Virden’s historic and cultural resources can help the Village define and
preserve the unique character of the community, and make it eligible for grants, loans, and
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other funding options that can help with rehabilitation and redevelopment of aging
structures. An inventory of historically significant areas and contributing structures in the
village is the first step toward establishing a historic overlay district and providing a legal
framework for protection.
The designation of a Registered Historic Building or Area will require certain reviews and
approvals by the State Historic Officer for any exterior modifications to the buildings, in
order to maintain their tax credit status.
WATER RESOURCES AND USES
The Gila River and its contributing arroyos have provided water and life to the community
for generations. Traditionally, irrigation ditches and canals have channeled water from the
Gila or from wells to Virden for agricultural use and to support gardens, landscapes and
street trees. Multiple legal decisions over the past 70 years have impacted the availability of
water for use by Virden Valley residents. Restrictions on the total volume of water available
for domestic and stock uses and for use on lawns, gardens and trees have negatively
impacted the traditional lush landscapes of the Village.
Ditches running through the Village have historically provided water for irrigation of trees,
lawns, and gardens. Irregular maintenance of the ditches and culverts crossing private
property has left the delivery system in need of repair. With restricted water availability,
water no longer flows regularly through the ditch system and street trees and residential
yards and gardens have declined or disappeared over the years.
Several arroyos drain to the Gila from the range of hills to the north of the Village. Much of
the native vegetation has been lost from those hills, leading to heavy runoff and erosion
during large rain events. This leads to flooding of the agricultural lands and the flooding and
silting of the highway dip crossings.
B. LAND USE VALUES, GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
We value our:
• rural lifestyle
• historic village character
• agricultural heritage
• potential/opportunities for alternative energies
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GOAL 1: PRESERVE AND ENHANCE THE HISTORIC LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF
VIRDEN.
•
Strategy 1: Acquire and secure water rights to meet projected future demands for
landscape and garden irrigation.
•
Strategy 2: Provide incentives for property owners to maintain ditches, headgates, and
•
Strategy 3: Develop a Landscape Management and Maintenance Program that evaluates
the condition of the trees and landscapes along Village streets. Develop a maintenance
program that regularly cares for the landscape and establish a program to identify and
replace vegetation that is in decline or missing.
•
Strategy 4: Organize volunteer community labor to assist in maintaining culverts,
ditches, and vegetation. Plant new trees where old specimens have died.
•
Strategy 5: Promote the formation of a food growing cooperative or CommunitySupported Agriculture (CSA) organization for residents.
•
Strategy 6: Provide a land area and irrigation for community garden beds on Villageowned property and solicit residents to utilize the area.
•
Strategy 7: Encourage rainwater harvesting and the use of greywater to supplement
yard and garden irrigation through educational materials.
GOAL 2: PRESERVE THE HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER IN THE VILLAGE.
•
Strategy 8: Inventory/survey historic and traditional buildings and features, and identify
programs and incentives for owners of historic and cultural properties to apply for
preservation and restoration resources and property tax credits available from state and
national sources.
•
Strategy 9: Develop self-guided promotional materials that identify the Village's unique
architectural buildings and historic features.
GOAL 3: ENSURE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF QUALITY WATER FOR CURRENT AND
FUTURE NEEDS OF THE VILLAGE.
•
Strategy 10: Acquire and secure water rights to meet projected future demands.
•
Strategy 11: Adopt and maintain a water conservation program which measures water
consumption and includes a drought contingency plan.
•
Strategy 12: Promote and demonstrate water conservation efforts, such as the use of
drip irrigation, gray-water, water harvesting, low-flow fixtures, and xeriscape
landscaping through educational programs.
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GOAL 4: MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE THE VISUAL BEAUTY OF OUR SCENIC
COMMUNITY.
•
Strategy 13: Improve the scenic and visual impression of Virden by organizing
weeds and litter.
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6. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
VILLAGE OF VIRDEN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
A. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS/ISSUES:
Virden is a small rural community located within the Virden Valley, along the Gila River, in
Hidalgo County in southwest New Mexico. There is little commercial activity (except for a
quilting store) in Virden, with most convenience goods and services being purchased across
the Arizona state line in Duncan; goods are also purchased in the communities of Safford,
Arizona and Lordsburg, New Mexico.
Figure 3: Virden Historic Population
1930 - 2007
The economy of Virden has been primarily driven
by agriculture and by the mining industry, which
have fluctuated greatly in employment during the
past eighty years. Figure 3 shows the historic
population of Virden from 1930 to 2007. The
population declined from around 200 persons in
1930-1940 to around 150 in 1950-1970. A
mining boom then led to a near doubling of
population to 246 persons in 1980. After the
boom, the population quickly declined to 108
persons in 1990, which is close to the current
estimate of 112 persons in 2007. There are more
men than women in the population.
VIRDEN HISTORIC
POPULATION
1930 - 2007
1930
196
1940
206
1950
146
1960
135
1970
151
1980
246
1990
108
2000
143
2007
112
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
In 2000, according to the U.S. Census, the median age of the population was 32, with 40%
of the households having children at home. One-third of the residents were under age 18,
and one-seventh were over 65. Almost all were white, and 13% were Hispanic. The
average household size was 2.98, which is above the average for New Mexico. (See Figure
4.) Most households were comprised of married couples.
~ 17 ~
Figure 4: Virden Demographic Characteristics in 2000
VIRDEN DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
2000
Population
143
Median Age
32
% under 18
33.60%
% over 65
14.70%
% White
95.10%
% Hispanic
13.30%
Average Household Size
2.98
% of Households with Children
39.60%
As shown in Figure 5, 70% of the adults have graduated from high school, with 2% having
graduated from college. Thirty-four percent of the adult population is in the labor force (a
relatively low percentage), and 21% are disabled (a relatively high percentage). The mean
travel time to work is 24 minutes, with no one traveling less than 5 minutes to work. The
unemployment rate (among those seeking work) in 2007 was very low at 2.9%. The most
common industries within the work force are mining, construction, agriculture, and public
administration.
Figure 5: Virden Social and Economic Characteristics in 2000
VIRDEN SOCIAL & ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
2000
% High School Graduate or Higher
70.20%
% College Graduate
2.40%
% Disability Status
21.00%
% in Labor Force
34.00%
Mean Travel Time to Work
24 minutes
Median Household Income (1999)
$29,375
Per Capita Income (1999)
$23,184
% Individuals Below Poverty Level
14.10%
Unemployment Rate (2007)
Most Common Industries
2.90%
Mining, construction, agriculture, public
administration
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Sperling's, City-Data.com
~ 18 ~
Median household income in 1999 was $29,375, median family income was $46,250, with
per capita income at $23,184 (vs. $21,857 for the U.S.). All of the income was attributed to
males. About 14% of the population fell below the poverty level.
Issues identified by the community on economic development include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
limited employment opportunities
lack of education and job training opportunities
lack of awareness and involvement in available economic development programs
lack of incentives to promote economic development
fragmented and uncoordinated efforts on economic development programs
lack of sufficient supporting infrastructure capacity ( housing, water/wastewater,
telecommunication, transportation and medical facilities)
B. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT VALUES, GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION
STRATEGIES:
The residents of Virden value the:
• potential/opportunities of existing assets: Old Virden Church building, old school
structures
• desirable lifestyle
• natural and historical resources
GOAL 1: ENCOURAGE TOURISM THAT FOCUSES ON THE VILLAGE’S NATURAL AND
HISTORICAL RESOURCES.
•
Strategy 1: Create a website and brochure that markets Virden as a destination for bird
watching and geo-tourism and promotes the history of Virden, including Coronado’s
route through the area.
•
Strategy 2: Open a small visitor information center, possibly in either the old school or
Old Virden Church.
•
Strategy 3: Create a historical settlers museum in the old school building.
•
Strategy 4: Market the Old Virden Church, i.e. “the Virden Hilton”, for lodging for
groups and investigate raising the rates.
GOAL 2: PROMOTE ARTS AND CULTURAL ENTERPRISES AND EVENTS.
•
Strategy 5: Create events that are authentic and of interest to visitors, like expanding the
July 4th celebration.
~ 19 ~
•
Strategy 6: Provide a venue for the sale of local arts and crafts, possibly in conjunction
with the Old Virden Church or the proposed museum.
•
Strategy 7: Promote Virden to quilters and hold quilting events and retreats.
GOAL 3: FACILITATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND HOME-BASED
BUSINESSES.
•
Strategy 8: Provide a commercial kitchen for the production and sale of value-added
agricultural products.
•
Strategy 9: Provide support and promote distance learning opportunities for youth and
•
Strategy 10: Identify the unique assets for starting small and locally-owned businesses,
and work with regional economic development agencies to address these opportunities.
•
Strategy 11: Pursue grants from State and federal agencies (NMEDD, USDA, etc) to
develop a business incubator for start-up entrepreneurs with high-speed internet access
and supportive equipment, such as computers, printers, scanners, and fax machines.
•
Strategy 12: Increase library funding.
~ 20 ~
7. HOUSING ELEMENT
VILLAGE OF VIRDEN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
7. HOUSING ELEMENT
A. HOUSING CONDITIONS/ISSUES:
According to the 2000 Census, there were 63 housing units in Virden, of which 48 were
occupied (see Figure 6.). (Some of the unoccupied units are in a dilapidated condition and
should be demolished.) Forty-two of those 48 units are owner-occupied, and 27 of them
are considered single-family units. The median value of the owner-occupied units was
$67,500; median mortgage payment was $950. There were six rental units in 2000, with a
median rent of $190. Half of all the units were built prior to 1950, compared to 20% of all
the units in the U.S.
Figure 6: Virden Housing Characteristics in 2000
VIRDEN HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS
Number of Units
48
42
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
27
6
Occupied Units Owner-Occupied Single-family Renter-Occupied
Units
Owner-Occupied
Units
Units
~ 21 ~
7. HOUSING ELEMENT
More recent data for 2007, from City-Data.com, indicates that there are now only two rental
units with a median rent of $583. Median housing value has risen to $106,775 for nonHispanic householders and to $134,209 for Hispanic householders. There were 14 mobile
homes with a median worth of $54,466.
The issues with housing in the Village include:
•
•
•
majority of housing stock is aging
insufficient number of affordable (subsidized) housing units available
blighted homes within neighborhoods
B. HOUSING VALUES, GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
We value our:
•
•
•
strong sense of a village identity
small town atmosphere
housing which is relatively affordable
GOAL 1: PROMOTE REHABILITATION OR DEMOLITION OF EXISTING
RESIDENCES/ABANDONED BUILDINGS.
•
Strategy 1: Contact property owners to encourage them to rehabilitate or demolish
abandoned buildings and to survey them regarding their desire for rehabilitation
assistance.
•
Strategy 2: Seek federal and state funding for rehabilitation activities, e.g. through the
New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority.
•
Strategy 3: Develop an inventory of abandoned buildings.
•
Strategy 4: Provide volunteer community labor to assist in the rehabilitation or
demolition of abandoned buildings.
•
Strategy 5: Salvage usable materials for reuse and recycling in community projects.
GOAL 2: ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY CLEANUP EVENTS TO INSTILL NEIGHBORHOOD
PRIDE AND BEAUTIFICATION.
•
Strategy 6: Establish a regular schedule for community cleanups and combine the
cleanups with a community celebration or other event..
•
Strategy 7: Involve youth organizations in the cleanup efforts.
~ 22 ~
7. HOUSING ELEMENT
GOAL 3: PROMOTE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOUSING AVAILABILITY FOR FAMILIES AND
SENIOR CITIZENS.
•
Strategy 8: Pursue and partner with a non-profit organization willing to build and
operate a senior housing complex on Village property.
•
Strategy 9: Promote accessory residences (i.e., “mother-in-law” units) on appropriate
lots.
•
Strategy 10: Promote and allow greater housing density to encourage in-fill and retain
young adults in the community.
~ 23 ~
8. INFRASTRUCTURE/COMMUNITY FACILITIES ELEMENT
VILLAGE OF VIRDEN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
A. INFRASTRUCTURE/COMMUNITY FACILITIES EXISTING CONDITIONS/ISSUES:
DOMESTIC WATER SYSTEM AND USE
Virden operates on a basic water system, with minimal infrastructure and services. Recent
improvements to Virden’s public water system were achieved with the drilling of a new well
and the 2009 completion of a new storage tank with a 91,000 gallon capacity and a water
treatment facility, all located uphill of the Village. The new system is connected to the old
47,000-gallon storage tank. The existing storage capacity of these tanks is sufficient to
provide for present and future domestic water use, fire suppression, and emergency service
needs. The water system is not sufficient for the irrigation of yards, gardens, or street
landscaping. Many property owners maintain private wells to irrigate their yards and gardens.
The water utility is a major source of operating funds for Virden.
The safety of the water from the former well, which was located closer to the Gila, was a
health issue for the residents due to high nitrite levels found in the groundwater. The
majority of households in Virden are serviced by the water utility. Some homes at the
western arm of the Village are beyond the reach of Virden’s current water distribution line.
These homes rely on private wells, which are subject to the same water-contamination
issues.
WASTEWATER SYSTEM
Virden has no wastewater facilities, relying entirely on private septic systems to dispose of
wastewater. The condition of some of the septic systems and the size of the lots which they
serve may be below State standards. Septic leach fields are a potential source of
groundwater pollution. A wastewater treatment system would allow for population growth
in Virden and remove a potential ground water contaminate.
~ 24 ~
The costs of building a treatment plant and connecting the existing septic users to it would
be considerable. Use of treated effluent could provide significant amounts of water for use
in agricultural irrigation, landscaping and groundwater recharge. Additional costs would also
be incurred for treating additional effluent levels and for distribution facilities.
UTILITIES
Virden utility service is limited. Electricity is provided by The Duncan Valley Electric
Cooperative located in neighboring Greenlee County, Arizona. AZNEX, a subsidiary of
Duncan Valley Electric, provides reliable internet access for residents. Virden has no natural
gas service. Natural gas is available in nearby Duncan from Duncan Rural Services
Corporation, majority owned by Duncan Valley Electric Cooperative. Residents rely on
propane or electricity for heating and cooking. Cell phone service in Virden is unreliable.
The region is known for its bright, sunny weather. The consistency and abundance of
sunlight in the area make solar electricity a viable consideration to meet some of the local
power needs.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Hidalgo County operates a manned waste transfer station west of the Village where residents
take their household trash for disposal. No recycling service is offered within the County.
Some residents travel to Safford, Arizona, 45 miles to the west, to recycle select paper,
plastics and metals.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Community facilities in Virden are limited. The Village owns several properties in varying
states of serviceability. The Village offices and the Fire Department structures are relatively
new and functional. The Old Virden Church building is in need of repair, most urgently a
new roof. This structure has served the Village since the 1930s, first as the Mormon Church,
and later as a community gathering place following transfer of ownership to the Village. The
building includes a large meeting hall with stage, a kitchen, and bunk-rooms in the
basement. This makes it a versatile meeting space for family functions (birthdays, family
reunions, weddings), and other community gatherings. The Virden Library is housed in an
attached wing of the structure. The library is outgrowing the space available.
The old school structures and playground are abandoned and decayed. The school
gymnasium was razed in 2008 because its condition posed a safety hazard. The historic
school building, an adobe structure dating back to the 1930’s, and the adjoining smaller
~ 25 ~
adobe structure are currently not safe to occupy. Both of these buildings are in need of new
roofs and of extensive stabilization of the wall and floors.
EDUCATION
For decades, Virden operated a K-12 school at the eastern edge of the Village. Children
now travel to school in Duncan, Arizona, under an agreement with the Lordsburg School
District. No pre-school or daycare is available in Virden. Extracurricular activities for kids,
such as singing or dance lessons and organized sports, are not offered in the Village or in the
adjoining area.
Virden has no adult educational opportunities. Community classes such as aerobics or
computer literacy training are not available either.
RECREATION
Few recreational opportunities for youth exist in Virden. The old school playground has
basketball courts, swings and a slide. All have been subject to vandalism and the playground
is in need of repair or replacement. The old school ball fields are overgrown and the large
lawn next to the Old Virden Church is not suitable for play because of the large number of
stickers. No indoor recreational facilities exist in Virden.
There are no planned recreational activities in the Village. Youth travel to Duncan to
participate in team sports. Adults have few recreational opportunities. A clogging team
provides regular recreation for one group of women.
HEALTH FACILITIES
Virden is without any local health care facility and the residents rely on health care located
outside of the Village. A medical clinic with a part-time physician in Duncan, Arizona, seven
miles to the west, is the nearest medical service. Hours, facilities and services at this clinic
are very limited. Hidalgo Medical Services in Lordsburg offers fundamental medical, dental
and mental health care. For emergencies, hospitalization or specialized care, residents must
travel 45 miles west to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center in Safford, Arizona, or further
to medical facilities in Tucson or Albuquerque.
Among the infrastructure and community facility issues expressed by the residents include:
•
•
•
Lack of energy alternatives
lack of wastewater facilities
lack of medical facilities
~ 26 ~
•
•
•
limited recreational opportunities
inadequate community facilities: parks, library, village hall, community center
lack of educational opportunities
B. INFRASTRUCTURE/COMMUNITY FACILITIES VALUES, GOALS AND
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
As a community, Virden values our:
•
•
•
•
•
old school building worth preserving as adaptive reuse
opportunities the Old Virden Church building has for broader use
desirable lifestyle
strong community
natural and historical resources
GOAL 1: ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT OF A WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY.
•
Strategy 1: Educate residents on the groundwater pollution problems caused by septic
systems.
•
Strategy 2: Pursue funding from institutions such as the NM Water Trust Board and the
NM Legislature for the planning and design of a wastewater treatment facility.
•
Strategy 3: Pursue funding from institutions such as the Water Trust Board, the NM
Legislature and the New Mexico Finance Authority for the construction of a quality
wastewater treatment facility.
GOAL 2: PURSUE NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES.
•
Strategy 4: Survey residents about interest in new and renewable energy resources.
•
Strategy 5: Explore extending natural gas service from Duncan to Virden. Pursue
funding to subsidize the hook-up costs.
•
Strategy 6: Educate homeowners on solar energy benefits, incentives and credits.
GOAL 3: PROMOTE RECYCLING THROUGH COLLECTION CENTERS.
•
Strategy 7: Provide education on the process and benefits of waste recycling.
•
Strategy 8: Coordinate with the Safford-area waste management company to include
recycling collection at the Village waste transfer site.
~ 27 ~
GOAL 4: SUPPORT THE IMPROVEMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN THE VILLAGE.
•
Strategy 9: Work with telecommunication providers to improve wireless phone service in
the Valley.
GOAL 5: PURSUE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ASSISTANCE NETWORK FOR ELDERLY AND
IMPOVERISHED RESIDENTS IN THE VILLAGE.
•
Strategy 10: Hold regular food drives for the hungry. Coordinate volunteers to gather
and distribute food packages.
•
Strategy 11: Utilize the Old Virden Church as a commercial kitchen and explore a
meals-on-wheels style service for the needy elderly and the infirmed. Work with agencies
in the County to coordinate services.
GOAL 6: IMPROVE, UPGRADE & RETROFIT COMMUNITY FACILITIES (LIBRARY, VILLAGE
HALL, OLD VIRDEN CHURCH, OLD SCHOOL, & FIRE STATION).
•
Strategy 12: Prepare a needs assessment and feasibility study for existing and proposed
community facilities, and pursue funding from the State legislature and private sources
for rehabilitating existing facilities.
GOAL 7: PURSUE THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL, RECREATIONAL AND
SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS.
•
Strategy 13: Conduct a needs assessment and interest inventory for recreation and
education services.
•
Strategy 14: Explore development of a multi-use center offering fitness, games, music,
•
Strategy 15: Develop a community-building program of events for all age groups, such
as dances, block parties, and outdoor movies.
~ 28 ~
9. TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
VILLAGE OF VIRDEN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
A. TRANSPORTATION EXISTING CONDITIONS/ISSUES:
Virden's only transportation access is NM Highway 92, which loops off of US Highway 70
between Lordsburg to the southeast, and Duncan, AZ to the west. No other access to the
Village is available. This road drops down into the scenic Virden Valley, crossing multiple
low-water or dip crossings of the highway entering Virden from both directions.
Within the Village, there is a grid of five unimproved streets. Street lights are located at the
intersections, but no other street amenities exist. The Village maintains approximately 1.25
miles of streets. The Village streets are graded dirt or gravel, causing ambient dust and air
quality issues. Very coarse gravel has been applied to some street surface, making them
difficult for bicyclists and pedestrians to navigate. The street system lacks curbs and
sidewalks, maintaining its rural character.
State Highway 92, the only paved road in Virden, routes through the southern portion of the
Village. New Mexico Department of Transportation is responsible for maintenance of
Highway 92. The highway has multiple dip crossings which are subject to repeated flooding
and silting due to erosion and runoff from the hills to the north. The roadway flooding is
outside of Virden’s boundary, but it has a major influence on the resident’s safety and wellbeing. During these flood occurrences the community is isolated until the crossings are
cleared of silt, causing hardship to those needing to reach medical assistance, employment,
or school.
There is no rail service in Virden. The closest public airstrip is the Lordsburg Municipal
Airport, located 34 miles to the southeast.
There are no transportation services or private taxis operating within the Village. There also
is no regional public transportation to other areas in the County or to major cities. This lack
of public transportation places a hardship on those unable to afford a vehicle and on
disabled and senior citizens.
~ 29 ~
The residents identified transportation issues such as:
• unimproved and poorly maintained streets
• bicycle and pedestrian safety – lack of sidewalks, motorized scooters, ATVs
• limited lighting
• need for signage (children at play, stop signs)
• highway flooding and silting
• lack of public transportation (shuttle, transit)
B. TRANSPORTATION VALUES, GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
Our transportation values include:
• lack of traffic congestion/easy to get around
• safe and maintained streets
• walking and safety for pedestrians
• safety for bicyclists
GOAL 1: CREATE AND MAINTAIN A SAFE STREET NETWORK WITH MAINTAINED
STREETS AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS IN A WAY THAT PRESERVES THE VIRDEN
PACE AND STYLE.
•
Strategy 1: Investigate improved road surface treatments to limit dust and reduce
•
Strategy 2: Identify locations to place signage, such as yield signs, stop signs, or
children at play signs, to improve safety.
•
Strategy 3: Develop a Roadway Management and Maintenance Program that evaluates
the condition of the streets and pedestrian facilities in the Village and develops a
maintenance program that addresses safety issues and air quality.
•
Strategy 4: Pursue funding sources and partner with agencies, such as Hidalgo County
and NM Department of Transportation, to design and implement necessary highway
safety measures (erecting signs or signals, reduce runoff and flooding of roadway,
construct structures to span flooding) to allow residents and emergency vehicles allweather accessibility in the Village.
~ 30 ~
GOAL 2: IDENTIFY AND CREATE MULTIPLE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (WALK,
BIKE, AND HIKE) THROUGHOUT THE VILLAGE.
•
Strategy 5: Evaluate the overall street and pedestrian system, assess needs, assess safety
bicyclists. Rehabilitate traditional pedestrian paths along streets as the core of the
system.
•
Strategy 6: Include bike and pedestrian facilities in street improvement projects.
•
Strategy 7: Coordinate with Hidalgo County in preparing a Virden Area Trails and
Bikeway Master Plan, which includes identifying access points to the Gila River.
GOAL 3: DEVELOP A LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM.
•
Strategy 8: Survey residents on transportation needs, including destinations and
frequency and explore creating a ride-share service, connecting those with
transportation needs with friends or neighbors with vehicles.
•
Strategy 9: Pursue funding sources and partner with other jurisdictions, such as Hidalgo
County or Duncan, Arizona, in establishing a shuttle transit system, or extending an
existing system, such as Corre Caminos Transit, with regularly scheduled trips between
Virden, Duncan, Lordsburg and other outlying communities.
~ 31 ~
10. HAZARDS MITIGATION ELEMENT
VILLAGE OF VIRDEN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
A. HAZARDS MITIGATION ELEMENT
Hazards Mitigation addresses multiple natural and human-caused hazards which may
endanger the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Virden. Severe weather,
flooding, drought, wildfires, earthquakes, and human-caused hazards, such as hazardous
materials releases, are potential risks. Of these, the Village is most susceptible to fire,
flooding, and drought, according to Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan for Hidalgo County dated
September 3, 2003.
Wildfire is an uncontrolled fire fueled by vegetation, possibly threatening community assets.
Although wildfires may occur anytime, they occur most frequently during extended periods
of dry weather, a condition common in Hidalgo County. Wildfires in range and cropland
tend to not be as large as fires in steep, densely-forested lands found in other portions of
southwestern New Mexico. Wildfire poses less of a threat to Virden than structure fires. The
Virden volunteer fire department is well equipped to fight fires in the Village, but the limited
availability of volunteers during working hours poses a risk to residents.
Flooding impacted areas along the Gila River in Hidalgo County in 1984, 1987, and 1993.
Fires in the Gila National Forest could have a large impact on flooding in the Virden Valley,
the low point of the Gila River in New Mexico. Loss of vegetation as the result of wildfires in
the past ten years has exposed the soil, allowing high run-off and increased risk of flooding.
This problem will persist until vegetation is re-established.
Flood vulnerability assessments are typically described in terms of community assets that lie
in the path of floods. Flash flooding effects are exacerbated by steep slopes, obstructions
trapping flow, and soils with low infiltration rates. Flooding of the drainages coming out of
the hills behind the Village may cause local flooding issues during periods of intense
precipitation.
Drought is slow to develop and is difficult to deal with. Southwestern New Mexico has
periodically experienced episodes of drought and is currently experiencing abnormally dry
~ 32 ~
conditions. Drought may be measured by indices of adequate water supply or by technical
indices of available moisture. Drought poses a threat to agriculture, fire protection,
municipal water supply, and environment and habitat values. Because water is considered a
commodity which is possessed under narrow conditions, it is slow and difficult to respond to
drought with good results. Foresight planning is crucial to respond effectively.
Emergency services and volunteer organizations are also an important hazard mitigation
aspect. Virden’s fire department provides service both local and regionally. Virden has an
agreement with Hidalgo County to offer the Old Virden Church facilities for emergency
shelter.
The fire department is well-trained and well-equipped to respond to fire and medical/
ambulance calls. Due to the volunteer nature of the department, the availability of
responders is sometimes inadequate during working hours, increasing the risk to the
residents with medical or fire emergencies.
The residents identified hazard mitigation issues such as:
• flooding and silting of highway
• drought and water security
• limited number of daytime volunteers to respond to calls to the fire department
B. HAZARD MITIGATION VALUES, GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
Our hazard mitigation values include:
• a well-trained and well-equipped fire department
GOAL 1: DEVELOP A LOCAL RESPONSE TO EMERGENCY AND HAZARD THREATS.
•
Strategy 1: Create a public information campaign to publicize disaster risks along with
the benefits and techniques for mitigation, especially fire and flood hazards.
•
Strategy 2: Raise awareness of wildfire defensible-space standards for vegetation
around homes.
•
Strategy 3: Maintain agreements with Hidalgo County to provide emergency shelter in
the Old Virden Church building.
•
Strategy 4: Recruit and train more fire department volunteers to cover daytime calls.
•
Strategy 5: Pursue funding for on-call fire department first responders.
~ 33 ~
11. IMPLEMENTATION ELEMENT
VILLAGE OF VIRDEN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ADMINISTRATION, AMENDMENT AND UPDATE
The Village of Virden Comprehensive Plan is intended to be a dynamic document that
should be implemented and reviewed on a continuous basis. As priorities and conditions
change, so should these changes be reflected in the Plan. There should be a formal update
of the Village Plan every five years, using updated information from the Census and other
sources of socio-economic and geographic data.
The Village Mayor and Council will appoint a Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee for
the formal Plan Update process that will include, but is not limited to, representatives from
business and real estate interests, ranching/agriculture, water interests and neighborhood
residents.
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY PRIORITIES
The Village Mayor and Council will appoint an Implementation Committee that will be
represented by stakeholders in the community. The role of the Implementation Committee
will be to coordinate, facilitate and direct the implementation of the strategies identified for
each of the Elements of the Plan. The Committee will report directly to the Village Mayor
and Council on their activities and provide recommendations on the capital improvement
plan, and legislative budget requests and initiatives.
The Implementation strategies for each Element were prioritized by the Village residents at
the community meeting on July 4, 2009. Following a review and revision of all the strategies
within an Element, the residents placed dots (limited to five dots for the 64 total strategies
recommended in the plan) on those strategies most important to them. Non-residents,
mostly neighbors and family members of residents, also “voted” on the strategies. They
~ 34 ~
placed a maximum of five dots on the strategies which they considered most important.
Different colors of dots were used to distinguish between the resident and non-resident
preferences. By having to make a choice in selecting a limited number of strategies, those
strategies with the highest number of dots were determined to be of higher priority. Issues of
sequencing, funding availability and a coordination of activities were also considered in
establishing priorities. The strategies have been prioritized by each Element according to
Highest Priority or Phase I Implementation (2009-2013), Phase II Implementation (20142018), or Phase III Implementation (2019-2023).
An abbreviation precedes each strategy listed in the three Phases below to identify the
element which the strategy applies to. The six elements are abbreviated as follows:
L&W
ED
H
ICF
T
HM
=
=
=
=
=
=
Land and Water Element
Economic Development Element
Housing Element
Infrastructure/Community Facilities Element
Transportation Element
Hazards Mitigation Element
HIGHEST PRIORITY/PHASE I IMPLEMENTATION (2009-2013)
•
L&W Strategy 2: Provide incentives for property owners to maintain ditches, headgates, and
•
L& W Strategy 3: Develop a Landscape Management and Maintenance Program that
evaluates the condition of the trees and landscapes along Village streets. Develop a
maintenance program that regularly cares for the landscape and establish a program to
identify and replace vegetation that is in decline or missing.
•
L& W Strategy 13: Improve the scenic and visual impression of Virden by organizing
weeds and litter.
•
ED Strategy 3: Create a historical settlers museum in the old school building.
•
ED Strategy 9: Provide support and promote distance learning opportunities for youth and
•
H Strategy 1: Contact property owners to encourage them to rehabilitate or demolish
abandoned buildings and to survey them regarding their desire for rehabilitation assistance.
~ 35 ~
•
H Strategy 6: Establish a regular schedule for community cleanups and combine the
cleanups with a community celebration or other event.
•
ICF Strategy 3: Pursue funding from institutions such as the Water Trust Board, the NM
Legislature and the New Mexico Finance Authority for the planning, design and construction
of a quality wastewater treatment facility.
•
ICF Strategy 9: Work with telecommunication providers to improve wireless phone service
in the Valley.
•
ICF Strategy 14: Explore development of a multi-use center offering fitness, games, music,
•
T Strategy 1: Investigate improved road surface treatments to limit dust and reduce
•
T Strategy 4: Pursue funding sources and partner with agencies, such as Hidalgo County
and NM Department of Transportation, to design and implement necessary highway safety
measures (erecting signs or signals, reduce runoff and flooding of roadway, construct
structures to span flooding) to allow residents and emergency vehicles all-weather
accessibility in the Village.
•
T Strategy 5: Evaluate the overall street and pedestrian system, assess needs, assess safety
bicyclists. Rehabilitate traditional pedestrian paths along streets as the core of the system.
PHASE II IMPLEMENTATION (2014-2018)
•
ED Strategy 4: Market the Old Virden Church, i.e. “the Virden Hilton”, for lodging for
•
ED Strategy 6: Provide a venue for the sale of local arts and crafts, possibly in conjunction
•
ED Strategy 10: Identify the unique assets for starting small and locally-owned businesses,
•
ED Strategy 12: Increase Library Funding
•
H Strategy 7: Involve youth organizations in the cleanup efforts.
~ 36 ~
•
H Strategy 8: Pursue and partner with a non-profit organization willing to build and
•
H Strategy 10: Promote and allow greater housing density to encourage in-fill and retain
•
ICF Strategy 5: Explore extending natural gas service from Duncan to Virden. Pursue
•
ICF Strategy 6: Educate homeowners on solar energy benefits, incentives and credits.
•
ICF Strategy 8: Coordinate with the Safford-area waste management company to include
•
ICF Strategy 11: Utilize the Old Virden Church as a commercial kitchen and explore a
meals-on-wheels style service for the needy elderly and the infirmed. Work with agencies in
the County to coordinate services.
•
ICF Strategy 12: Prepare a needs assessment and feasibility study for existing and proposed
community facilities, and pursue funding from the State legislature and private sources for
rehabilitating existing facilities.
•
ICF Strategy 15: Develop a community-building program of events for all age groups, such
•
HM Strategy 3: Maintain agreements with Hidalgo County to provide emergency shelter in
•
HM Strategy 5: Pursue funding for on-call fire department first responders.
PHASE III IMPLEMENTATION (2019-2023)
•
L&W Strategy 1: Acquire and secure water rights to meet projected future demands for
•
L&W Strategy 4: Organize volunteer community labor to assist in maintaining culverts,
•
L&W Strategy 5: Promote the formation of a food growing cooperative or CommunitySupported Agriculture (CSA) organization for residents.
~ 37 ~
•
L&W Strategy 6: Provide a land area and irrigation for community garden beds on Villageowned property and solicit residents to utilize the area.
•
L&W Strategy 7: Encourage rainwater harvesting and the use of greywater to supplement
•
L&W Strategy 8: Inventory/survey historic and traditional buildings and features, and
identify programs and incentives for owners of historic and cultural properties to apply for
national sources.
•
L&W Strategy 9: Develop self-guided promotional materials that identify the Village's
unique architectural buildings and historic features.
•
L&W Strategy 10: Acquire and secure water rights to meet projected future demands.
•
L&W Strategy 11: Adopt and maintain a water conservation program which measures water
•
L&W Strategy 12: Promote and demonstrate water conservation efforts, such as the use of
drip irrigation, gray-water, water harvesting, low-flow fixtures, and xeriscape landscaping
through educational programs.
•
ED Strategy 1: Create a website and brochure that markets Virden as a destination for bird
watching and geo-tourism and promotes the history of Virden, including Coronado’s route
through the area.
•
ED Strategy 2: Open a small visitor information center, possibly in either the old school or
Old Virden Church.
•
ED Strategy 5: Create events that are authentic and of interest to visitors, like expanding the
•
ED Strategy 7: Promote Virden to quilters and hold quilting events and retreats.
•
ED Strategy 8: Provide a commercial kitchen for the production and sale of value-added
•
ED Strategy 11: Pursue grants from State and federal agencies (NMEDD, USDA, etc) to
develop a business incubator for start-up entrepreneurs with high-speed internet access and
supportive equipment, such as computers, printers, scanners, and fax machines.
•
H Strategy 2: Seek federal and state funding for rehabilitation activities, e.g. through the
~ 38 ~
•
H Strategy 4: Provide volunteer community labor to assist in the rehabilitation or
demolition of abandoned buildings.
•
H Strategy 5: Salvage usable materials for reuse and recycling in community projects.
•
H Strategy 9: Promote accessory residences (i.e., “mother-in-law” units) on appropriate
lots.
•
ICF Strategy 4: Survey residents about interest in new and renewable energy resources.
•
ICF Strategy 10: Hold regular food drives for the hungry. Coordinate volunteers to gather
•
T Strategy 2: Identify locations to place signage, such as yield signs, stop signs, or children
at play signs, to improve safety.
•
T Strategy 3: Develop a Roadway Management and Maintenance Program that evaluates
•
T Strategy 6: Include bike and pedestrian facilities in street improvement projects.
•
T Strategy 7: Coordinate with Hidalgo County in preparing a Virden Area Trails and
•
T Strategy 8: Survey residents on transportation needs, including destinations and frequency
and explore creating a ride-share service, connecting those with transportation needs with
friends or neighbors with vehicles.
•
T Strategy 9: Pursue funding sources and partner with other jurisdictions, such as Hidalgo
County or Duncan, Arizona, in establishing a shuttle transit system, or extending an existing
system, such as Corre Caminos Transit, with regularly scheduled trips between Virden,
Duncan, Lordsburg and other outlying communities.
•
HM Strategy 1: Create a public information campaign to publicize disaster risks along with
•
HM Strategy 2: Raise awareness of wildfire defensible-space standards for vegetation
around homes.
•
HM Strategy 4: Recruit and train more fire department volunteers to cover daytime calls.
~ 39 ~
APPENDIX
VILLAGE OF VIRDEN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
APPENDIX
A. COMMUNITY MEETING NOTICE
B. COMMUNITY MEETING COMMENTS
C. COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE NOTICE
D. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES VOTING SUMMARY
~ 40 ~
APPENDIX
A. COMMUNITY MEETING NOTICE
~ 41 ~
APPENDIX
B. COMMUNITY MEETING COMMENTS
Village of Virden Comprehensive Plan Community Meeting
March 21, 2009, 10:00 am -2:00pm
Old Virden Church Building, Village of Virden
LAND AND WATER ELEMENT:
ISSUES:
• Domestic Water availability
o o.k. for immediate growth but will need more in the future
o annexation/growth
• Make it like in the 60’s & 70’s
• Need “Be Courteous” signs for speeds and bus stops.
• Clean up
• Safety issues for all.
• Burning garbage
• Burning garbage in and around the community, hurting people with allergies, asthma and
bronchitis.
• Our lovely little community is deteriorating to extreme degree. In the past Virden trees
were lining our streets
• All ditches were kept clean by the land owners in consideration of their neighbor.
• Maintaining trees and ditches
OPPORTUNITIES:
• Community Garden at old Gym site
• Old School Building reuse
o Library
o Museum
• Old Church “Virden Hilton” has capacity
• Old Potato Shed site – potatoes and onions grown historically
• Putting more trees for more shading
• Victory community garden.
• Grow produce
ASPIRATIONS:
• A clean and tidy village
• Beautiful quiet peaceful farming community that is clean and attractive enough to attract
other to come to our community birders etc.
• That our children would be proud to return to or remain to live here.
• Community garden
~ 42 ~
APPENDIX
HAZARDS MITIGATION ELEMENT:
• Duncan has River Committee
• Flooding of highway crossings
• Flood control
HOUSING ELEMENT:
ISSUES:
• There is a need to rehabilitate existing housing, especially for seniors (Hidalgo County
provides in-home health care for seniors, but not home repairs)
• Old buildings trashy yards and homes.
OPPORTUNITIES:
• There should be ongoing community clean-up days sponsored by the Village
• Some of the old abandoned housing should be demolished, which would create sites for
new housing
• Helping with funds to help those that can=t afford to better there homes since so many
buildings are so old but still good for something like storage etc.
• Housing rehab for elderly in community
ASPIRATIONS:
• New housing is needed to allow the youth to stay in Virden when they graduate high
school
• Senior housing is needed for seniors who can no longer live independently or who want to
live in a group setting
• For all of the existing lots to have nice occupied homes on them
• An expansion of the town limits along the highway so additional homes can be constructed
along a single tier of land.
• Rebuild houses/build new homes
• Housing for elderly
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT:
ISSUES:
• There is a lack of water for agriculture
• There is no place to locate new businesses within Virden
• It was noted that few farmers still live within Virden
OPPORTUNITIES:
• Process local crops, including fruit trees, water melons, tomatoes, cotton, milo, corn,
pecans, alfalfa, chili, and beef
• Sell crops at the new farmers market being started in Duncan
• Interest in doing wind generation to sell back to the cooperative utility
• Birders would be pretty good visitors; they are respectful
• The community church building could be more fully utilized to serve visitor needs
• There is good internet access and cell phone service within Virden
~ 43 ~
APPENDIX
•
Birding opportunities
ASPIRATIONS:
• Keep the community peaceful
• Visitors could also purchase food and arts and crafts while in the area
• A museum could be placed in the old school building
• More jobs
• Projecting toward economic development that will bring in money to the community that
will be conducive to the residences here.
INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENT:
ISSUES:
• Need natural gas
OPPORTUNITIES:
• Wind turbine/solar opportunities
• Solar power
• Wind power
ASPIRATIONS:
• Need natural gas line, available from Duncan Valley Electric Coop
• Green power- solar and wind
• Installation of a communications tower to accommodate one or more cellular carriers.
This has been proposed and an offer to construct the tower was presented to the village.
This would have been located at the village water tank. The village council rejected that
offer.
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT:
ISSUES:
• Dirt/unpaved streets
• Poor drainage
• Need pedestrian pathways
• Poor base on roads
• Lack of trails, paths, walkways:
o Fear of abuse , 4-wheelers
o Private land crossing
o Disturbance of wildlife
• Trail along ditch north of town – need to maintain structure to convey water in ditch
• Need more lighting (solar)
• Flooding of dip crossings
• Pathways and ditches have been in disrepair & are not safe
• Paving the roads in town
• Signs to be put up securely for our children bus stops
~ 44 ~
APPENDIX
•
I do believe that the surface streets of the community should not be paved. However if the
streets were watered and graded often (once a week? twice a month?) there would be a
significant less amount of dust. Dust is the # 1 problem contributing significantly to
respiratory problems.
OPPORTUNITIES:
• Paving the roads in town
• Purchase of a water/sprinkling truck to wet the streets. Purchase of a road grader to
maintain the surface of the streets.
• Retention of an equipment operator who would do the street watering and grading. This
same person would also be responsible for trimming of trees along the sidewalks and
streets.
• Pathways bus stops (more signs)
ASPIRATIONS:
• Paved roads
• Stop signs
• Paved roads would be a great asset to the community and walk ways instead of seeing
children and elderly walking along the roads for crazy drivers.
• More lights for streets
• Hiking trails
• Paving the roads in town.
• Safe pathway along all streets.
• Trails, paths:
o Needed for children
o Attract birdwatchers
o Trees to separate pedestrians from autos
o For pedestrians and bicycles, no horses
COMMUNITY FACILITIES:
ISSUES:
• Deteriorating facilities/Village property
• Lack of opportunities for youth
• The most pressing problem is time and money to maintain the functional and visual
aspects of the streets, trees, and buildings. I doubt there is any logical method for so few
people with relatively limited income and resources to maintain any higher level of
community maintenance.
• School property buildings, playgrounds, trees, equipment are dangerous.
OPPORTUNITIES:
• Like the surrounding hills
• Old School Building
• Old Church Building
• Prehistory/ historic - archaeology
~ 45 ~
APPENDIX
•
•
•
•
•
We have a building that could be used for a variety of uses if the town council would move
on it. (the old school property).
Putting our old school to good use as best as we all can.
More organizations like music and singing lessons for our youth to improve and achieve in
certain goals
Village clean-up.
Educational Opportunities
o WNMSU televised classes, need a proctor present
o Extension courses
o Lordsburg will have some classes, may be able to extend to Virden
o EA College – simulcast to multiple cities in AZ
ASPIRATIONS:
• Add or improve Recreational Facilities
o Picnic Tables
o Tennis
o Racquetball
o Basketball
o Soccer, Duncan Police League
o Swimming Pool
o Need a safe play yard – Lawn at old church has stickers
o Fitness Center for all community
• Larger Firehouse for trucks and a recreation room
• Old School retrofit
o Library
o Museum Community Meeting Space
o Game room/ snack bar/fitness center
• Old Church Building
o Use more
o Visitor information center
o Back entrance safety issue
o Emergency Shelter (agreement with County)
o Rent Old Church to groups beyond the community for family reunion/celebrations,
quilting events, birding groups, others
• Museum – Historic Virden/cultural
• Petroglyphs located on private land
• Ditches – improve ditches/headgates
• Education
o University level courses in community (televised).
o Extension courses
o Community Classes
Art
Aerobics
Computer Training
o Charter School
o Day Care/Pre-School
~ 46 ~
APPENDIX
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
New library
Museum at old school
Community meals on wheels for our elderly
Food drives for our less fortunate and those in need.
Tennis/basketball court and a very safe playground for our youth and children.
Fire house
Old school house – library/museum/fire house
Old church – bed and breakfast, weddings, family reunions.
~ 47 ~
APPENDIX
C. COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE NOTICE
~ 48 ~
APPENDIX
D. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES VOTING SUMMARY
Results of the Implementation Strategies voting from the July 4, 2009 Village of Virden
Comprehensive Plan Open House.
Red = Residents
Blue = Non-residents (most were family members of residents)
Land and Water (L&W)
GOAL 1. PRESERVE AND ENHANCE THE HISTORIC LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OF
VIRDEN.
•
Strategy 1: Acquire and secure water rights to meet projected future demands for
•
Strategy 2: Provide incentives for property owners to maintain ditches, headgates, and
11 Red dots
5 Blue dots
16 Total
•
Strategy 3: Develop a Landscape Management and Maintenance Program that evaluates
the condition of the trees and landscapes along Village streets. Develop a maintenance
program that regularly cares for the landscape and establish a program to identify and
replace vegetation that is in decline or missing.
6 Red dots
6 Blue dots
12 Total
•
Strategy 4: Organize volunteer community labor to assist in maintaining culverts,
1 Blue dot
•
Strategy 5: Promote the formation of a food growing cooperative or CommunitySupported Agriculture (CSA) organization for residents.
1 Red dot
•
Strategy 6: Provide a land area and irrigation for community garden beds on Villageowned property and solicit residents to utilize the area.
•
Strategy 7: Encourage rainwater harvesting and the use of greywater to supplement
~ 49 ~
APPENDIX
GOAL 2. PRESERVE THE HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER IN THE VILLAGE.
•
Strategy 8: Inventory/survey historic and traditional buildings and features, and identify
programs and incentives for owners of historic and cultural properties to apply for
national sources.
1 Blue dot
•
Strategy 9: Develop self-guided promotional materials that identify the Village's unique
architectural buildings and historic features.
GOAL 3. ENSURE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF QUALITY WATER FOR CURRENT AND
FUTURE NEEDS OF THE VILLAGE.
•
Strategy 10: Acquire and secure water rights to meet projected future demands.
1 Blue dot
•
Strategy 11: Adopt and maintain a water conservation program which measures water
•
Strategy 12: Promote and demonstrate water conservation efforts, such as the use of
drip irrigation, gray-water, water harvesting, low-flow fixtures, and xeriscape
landscaping through educational programs.
GOAL 4. MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE THE VISUAL BEAUTY OF OUR SCENIC
COMMUNITY.
•
Strategy 13: Improve the scenic and visual impression of Virden by organizing
weeds and litter.
4 Red dots
7 Blue dots
11 Total
Economic Development (ED)
GOAL 1: ENCOURAGE TOURISM THAT FOCUSES ON THE VILLAGE’S NATURAL AND
HISTORICAL RESOURCES.
•
Strategy 1: Create a website and brochure that markets Virden as a destination for bird
watching and geo-tourism and promotes the history of Virden, including Coronado’s
route through the area.
•
Strategy 2: Open a small visitor information center, possibly in either the old school or
Old Virden Church.
~ 50 ~
APPENDIX
•
Strategy 3: Create a historical settlers museum in the old school building.
15 Red dots
10 Blue dots
25 Total
•
Strategy 4: Market the Old Virden Church, i.e. “the Virden Hilton”, for lodging for
4 Red dots
3 Blue dots
7 Total
GOAL 2: PROMOTE ARTS AND CULTURAL ENTERPRISES AND EVENTS.
•
Strategy 5: Create events that are authentic and of interest to visitors, like expanding the
•
Strategy 6: Provide a venue for the sale of local arts and crafts, possibly in conjunction
2 Red dots
3 Blue dots
5 Total
•
Strategy 7: Promote Virden to quilters and hold quilting events and retreats.
1 Blue dot
GOAL 3: FACILITATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND HOME-BASED
BUSINESSES.
•
Strategy 8: Provide a commercial kitchen for the production and sale of value-added
•
Strategy 9: Provide support and promote distance learning opportunities for youth and
7 Red dots
5 Blue dots
12 Total
•
Strategy 10: Identify the unique assets for starting small and locally-owned businesses,
3 Red dots
4 Blue dots
~ 51 ~
APPENDIX
7 Total
•
Strategy 11: Pursue grants from State and federal agencies (NMEDD, USDA, etc) to
develop a business incubator for start-up entrepreneurs with high-speed internet access
and supportive equipment, such as computers, printers, scanners, and fax machines.
2 Red dots
•
Increase Library Funding (this was added during the open house)
6 Red dots
3 Blue dots
9 Total
Housing (H)
GOAL 1: PROMOTE REHABILITATION OR DEMOLITION OF EXISTING
RESIDENCES/ABANDONED BUILDINGS.
•
Strategy 1: Contact property owners to encourage them to rehabilitate or demolish
abandoned buildings and to survey them regarding their desire for rehabilitation
assistance.
10 Red dots
10 Blue dots
20 Total
•
Strategy 2: Seek federal and state funding for rehabilitation activities, e.g. through the
•
Strategy 3: Develop an inventory of abandoned buildings.
1 Blue dot
•
Strategy 4: Provide volunteer community labor to assist in the rehabilitation or
demolition effort.
1 Blue dot
•
Strategy 5: Salvage usable materials for reuse and recycling in community projects.
GOAL 3: ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY CLEANUP EVENTS TO INSTILL
NEIGHBORHOOD PRIDE AND BEAUTIFICATION.
•
Strategy 6: Establish a regular schedule for community cleanups and combine the
cleanups with a community celebration or other event..
4 Red dots
6 Blue dots
~ 52 ~
APPENDIX
10 Total
•
Strategy 7: Involve youth organizations in the cleanup efforts.
3 Blue dots
GOAL 4: PROMOTE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOUSING AVAILABILITY FOR FAMILIES
AND SENIOR CITIZENS.
•
Strategy 8: Pursue and partner with a non-profit organization willing to build and
2 Red dots
1 Blue dot
3 Total
•
Strategy 9: Promote accessory residences (i.e., “mother-in-law” units) on appropriate
lots.
•
Strategy 10: Promote and allow greater housing density to encourage in-fill and retain
1 Red dot
4 Blue dots
5 Total
Infrastructure/Community Facilities (ICF)
GOAL 1. ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT OF A WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY.
•
Strategy 1: Educate residents on the groundwater pollution problems caused by septic
systems.
•
Strategy 2: Pursue funding from institutions such as the NM Water Trust Board and the
NM Legislature for the planning and design of a wastewater treatment facility.
•
Strategy 3: Pursue funding from institutions such as the Water Trust Board, the NM
Legislature and the New Mexico Finance Authority for the construction of a quality
wastewater treatment facility.
GOAL 2: PURSUE NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES.
•
Strategy 4: Survey residents about interest in new and renewable energy resources.
2 Red dots
~ 53 ~
APPENDIX
•
Strategy 5: Explore extending natural gas service from Duncan to Virden. Pursue
3 Red dots
•
Strategy 6: Educate homeowners on solar energy benefits, incentives and credits.
3 Red dots
1 Blue dot
4 Total
GOAL 4: PROMOTE RECYCLING THROUGH COLLECTION CENTERS.
•
Strategy 7: Provide education on the process and benefits of waste recycling.
•
Strategy 8: Coordinate with the Safford-area waste management company to include
3 Red dots
2 Blue dots
5 Total
GOAL 5: SUPPORT THE IMPROVEMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN THE
VILLAGE.
•
Strategy 9: Work with telecommunication providers to improve wireless phone service in
the Valley.
15 Red dots
18 Blue dots
33 Total
GOAL 6. PURSUE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ASSISTANCE NETWORK FOR ELDERLY
AND IMPOVERISHED RESIDENTS IN THE VILLAGE.
•
Strategy 10: Hold regular food drives for the hungry. Coordinate volunteers to gather
•
Strategy 11: Utilize the Old Virden Church as a commercial kitchen and explore a
meals-on-wheels style service for the needy elderly and the infirmed. Work with agencies
in the County to coordinate services.
3 Red dots
~ 54 ~
APPENDIX
2 Blue dots
5 Total
GOAL 7: IMPROVE, UPGRADE & RETROFIT COMMUNITY FACILITIES (LIBRARY,
VILLAGE HALL, OLD VIRDEN CHURCH, OLD SCHOOL, & FIRE STATION).
•
Strategy 12: Prepare a needs assessment and feasibility study for existing and proposed
community facilities, and pursue funding from the State legislature and private sources
for rehabilitating existing facilities.
7 Red dots
GOAL 8: PURSUE THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL, RECREATIONAL AND
SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS.
•
Strategy 13: Conduct a needs assessment and interest inventory for recreation and
education services.
•
Strategy 14: Explore development of a multi-use center offering fitness, games, music,
8 Red dots
7 Blue dots
15 Total
•
Strategy 15: Develop a community-building program of events for all age groups, such
6 Red dots
2 Blue dots
8 Total
Transportation (T)
GOAL 1. CREATE AND MAINTAIN A SAFE STREET NETWORK WITH MAINTAINED
STREETS AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS IN A WAY THAT PRESERVES THE
VIRDEN PACE AND STYLE.
•
Strategy 1: Investigate improved road surface treatments to limit dust and reduce
12 Red dots
~ 55 ~
APPENDIX
5 Blue dots
17 Total
•
Strategy 2: Identify locations to place signage, such as yield signs, stop signs, or
children at play signs, to improve safety.
1 Blue dot
•
Strategy 3: Develop a Roadway Management and Maintenance Program that evaluates
•
Strategy 4: Pursue funding sources and partner with agencies, such as Hidalgo County
and NM Department of Transportation, to design and implement necessary highway
safety measures (erecting signs or signals, reduce runoff and flooding of roadway,
construct structures to span flooding) to allow residents and emergency vehicles allweather accessibility in the Village.
5 Red dots
5 Blue dots
10 Total
GOAL 2. IDENTIFY AND CREATE MULTIPLE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (WALK,
BIKE, AND HIKE) THROUGHOUT THE VILLAGE.
•
Strategy 5: Evaluate the overall street and pedestrian system, assess needs, assess safety
bicyclists. Rehabilitate traditional pedestrian paths along streets as the core of the
system.
5 Red dots
5 Blue dots
10 Total
•
Strategy 6: Include bike and pedestrian facilities in street improvement projects.
1 Blue dot
•
Strategy 7: Coordinate with Hidalgo County in preparing a Virden Area Trails and
1 Red dot
~ 56 ~
APPENDIX
GOAL 3. DEVELOP A LOCAL AND REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM.
•
Strategy 8: Survey residents on transportation needs, including destinations and
frequency and explore creating a ride-share service, connecting those with
transportation needs with friends or neighbors with vehicles.
•
Strategy 9: Pursue funding sources and partner with other jurisdictions, such as Hidalgo
County or Duncan, Arizona, in establishing a shuttle transit system, or extending an
existing system, such as Corre Caminos Transit, with regularly scheduled trips between
Virden, Duncan, Lordsburg and other outlying communities.
1 Blue dot
Hazard Mitigation (HM)
GOAL 1. DEVELOP A LOCAL RESPONSE TO EMERGENCY AND HAZARD THREATS.
•
Strategy 1: Create a public information campaign to publicize disaster risks along with
1 Blue dot
•
Strategy 2: Raise awareness of wildfire defensible-space standards for vegetation
around homes.
•
Strategy 3: Maintain agreements with Hidalgo County to provide emergency shelter in
4 Red dots
3 Blue dots
7 Total
•
Strategy 4: Recruit and train more fire department volunteers to cover daytime calls.
2 Blue dots
•
Strategy 5: Pursue funding for on-call fire department first responders.
4 Blue dots
~ 57 ~

Village of Virden

Transcription

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