Update on the PNM Appeal to the New Mexico Second Judicial Court
Dear Sandia Heights Residents,
On September 28, 2026, PNM filed its Statement of Appellant Issues (Statement) with the New Mexico Second Judicial Court. The Statement outlines the issues PNM is raising in its appeal.
After reviewing the Statement, the SHHA PNM Special Task Group and the North Albuquerque Acres Residents Coalition (NAARC) met with their jointly retained attorney, Michael Cadigan of the Cadigan Law Firm, to discuss the filing and his recommendations for SHHA’s response. SHHA and NAARC are coordinating their efforts. NAARC is a coalition of 100's of residents North Albuquerque Acres and is not part of the North Albuquerque Acres Community Association (NAACA).
SHHA/NAARC and the other parties opposing PNM’s appeal—including Bernalillo County and Dale Morrison—must file their responses within 30 days of PNM’s filing. PNM will then have 15 days to reply.
Once those filings are complete, the judge will review the record, which contains thousands of pages. A decision could take several months. The judge may hold a hearing before ruling or issue a decision based on the written filings and the record.
The judge may deny PNM’s appeal, grant it, or send the case back to the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners for further consideration. If the judge grants PNM’s appeal, SHHA and the other opposing parties may appeal that decision to the New Mexico Court of Appeals.
We will keep you updated,
The SHHA PNM Special Task Group
Indigenous Peoples’ Day – SHHA Office Closed Mon, October 12
Indigenous Peoples’ Day – SHHA Office Closed Monday, October 12
Indigenous Peoples' Day is a time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, history, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. It reminds us to appreciate the diverse communities and histories that help make our country what it is today.
The SHHA office will be closed on Monday, October 12, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
We wish our Sandia Heights community a meaningful holiday.
October GRIT Ready for Viewing
October GRIT – Explore the Latest Issue
What You’ll Find Inside:
The October GRIT is here!
This month, read about the issues shaping Sandia Heights, including the proposed Sandia Pueblo land transfer, an essay by archaeologist and anthropologist Michelle Hegmon examining the proposal and its history, and the latest on the PNM appeal.
Coming up in October:
SHHA Board Happy Hour
Thursday, October 15 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Homestead Café
Help Clean Up Tramway Boulevard!
Saturday, October 17 | 8:30 AM
Tramway Boulevard
In this issue, we also look back at the Ice Cream Social and Neighborhood Afternoon Out, meet the people behind our new neighbors at La Luz Veterinary Care, introduce a new Neighbor-to-Neighbor Assistance Network, and put out the call for volunteer science fair judges at our local schools.
Interested in Helping Shape the Future of Sandia Heights?
Interested in Helping Shape the Future of Sandia Heights?
SHHA is hosting an informal Happy Hour with the current Directors for residents who might be interested in serving on the Board—or who simply want to learn more about what being a Director involves.
Thursday, October 15 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Homestead Café
Light hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine
First drink is on us!
This is an especially important time for Sandia Heights. Our community is facing several significant issues that could affect us for years to come, including the proposed Sandia Pueblo land transfer, the PNM transmission line and tower project, and wildfire preparedness.
We have a dedicated Board, but the team is small and the issues are big. We need residents willing to bring their experience, ideas, and energy to the table.
Come have a drink, meet some Directors, hear what the Board actually does, and ask questions. No commitment and no pressure—just an opportunity to find out whether serving as a Director might be something you'd consider.
Interested? Please let us know if you plan to join us. Reserve your spot here.
Help us build the team Sandia Heights needs for the challenges ahead.
SHHA statement regarding Sandia Land transfer
Dear Fellow Sandia Heights Residents,
Wednesday night, the SHHA Board took a step toward addressing the 2026 land transfer proposed by the Pueblo of Sandia. If you have not read about this proposal: in a nutshell, the Pueblo is requesting the transfer of almost 10,000 acres of the US Forest and Wilderness land in the northeast Sandias into trust "for the benefit of the Tribe." This could have serious consequences for Sandia Heights, as well as for the public. Much more information about the proposed transfer can be found on the SHHA website.
Since 71.1% of our membership voted to oppose this proposal (with 16.2% needing more information), the Board has decided to represent our community by distributing a statement, which was approved overwhelmingly, with one abstention. The Board also appointed a Special Committee to represent the SHHA in this matter – it will be meeting with legislators and legislative staff, as well as sending statements and letters to various publications. Taking a position on the land transfer is of some urgency since Melanie Stansbury has not yet introduced this measure in Congress. The sooner the growing opposition coalesces, the less likely she is to do so. We will post updates and the Special Committee members' names on the Sandia land transfer page of the SHHA website as soon as the Board has formally appointed them.
Meanwhile, if you have ideas about the land transfer that you'd like to discuss, please contact Cathy Yandell, CSMCChair@sandiahomeowners.org.
The SHHA Board of Directors
September GRIT Ready for Viewing
September GRIT Ready for Viewing
What’s Inside This Issue:
This month, we take a closer look at two issues generating a lot of conversation in Sandia Heights: living safely with bears and the proposed Sandia Mountains land transfer, including results from our recent resident survey. You’ll also find the latest PNM update, photos from the Taco & Margarita Fiesta, a profile of Homestead Café owner Jory Rosen, the upcoming Sandia Heights Artists Tour, Kids Corner, community contributions, and more.
And while you’re reading, keep an eye out for hidden bear tracks throughout the issue!
Selling Real Estate in Sandia Heights
Selling Real Estate in Sandia Heights
Dear Real Estate Professional:
The Sandia Heights Homeowners Association has produced a promotional information card for your use when selling Sandia Heights properties.
This attractive 5x7 double-sided card was created to give potential buyers essential information about Sandia Heights before and during the sales process via QR codes that link to our website’s pages for Sandia Heights Covenants, Architectural Guidelines, and community newsletter. We envision it to be used at open houses and in information packets given to your clients. It was especially designed to answer questions about our neighborhood and to welcome homeowners.
Hardcopy cards are available at the Sandia Heights Homeowners Association office. A printable copy is also available under the “information” tab on the top banner of the Sandia Heights website homepage, https://sandiahomeowners.org/info-card-realtors.
The Sandia Heights Homeowners Association office is located at 12700 San Rafael NE, Suite 3. Office hours are 9-4 Monday through Thursday, 9-12 Friday. You may call ahead at 505-797-7793.
We encourage you to take advantage of these cards to enhance and inform your sales process. We also welcome your feedback on their design and use: shha@sandiahomeowners.org
Thank you
Sandia Heights Homeowners Association
Pueblo of Sandia
Dear Residents,
The Pueblo of Sandia is seeking federal legislation that would transfer approximately 10,000 acres within the T’uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area along the western face of the Sandia Mountains into trust as part of the Pueblo of Sandia Indian Reservation, “for the benefit of the Tribe." This area extends from south of the Tram north almost to Placitas, and from the current eastern boundary of the Pueblo all the way up to the Crest. Because this proposal could affect issues important to our community – including public access, outdoor recreation, wildfire management, and property values in the area – the SHHA Board is gathering input from residents before discussing whether to support, oppose, or take no official position on the issue.
Please take a few minutes to read the background information and complete the feedback form. Your comments will help the Board’s discussion at future board meetings.
Many thanks to you.