Office closure on August 6, 2026
The SHHA office will be closed on Thursday, August 6, 2026, due to Comcast's continued network enhancements. This work interrupts the internet service in the office.
Office staff will be working remotely, answering phones and emails, etc.
Tram passes will not be available for purchase until the office reopens with internet service.
Sorry for any inconvenience that this causes.
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.
Latest Update on PNM Appeal with NM Second Judicial Court
Latest Update on PNM Appeal with NM Second Judicial Court
We were notified today that PNM has requested a 45-day extension to file their Statement of Appellate Issues due to their law firm having a virus problem. We anticipate the judge will approve.We anticipate the PNM Statement of Appellate to be filed sometime toward the end of September.
Website for Information
At the following link you will find updates and information regarding the PNM efforts to install a 66 MVA substation on Paseo del Norte between Lowell and Browning, and the associated 115 kV lines to feed that substation down Tramway Blvd https://www.sandiahomeowners.org/stop-pnm-towers
Continuing to Conserve
We continue to encourage Sandia Heights residents to conserve power during peak hours (4 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) through the current heat wave by raising your thermostat a few degrees, delaying heavy appliance use until after 9 p.m. and turning off unnecessary lights.
SHHA PNM Special Task Group
August GRIT Ready for Viewing
August GRIT Ready for Viewing
What’s Inside This Issue:
The August 2026 issue of GRIT highlights Sandia Pueblo’s proposal to transfer approximately 10,000 acres within the T’uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area into federal trust, including a community survey for resident feedback. Also included are the latest developments in the PNM substation appeal, an illustrated guide explaining how electricity is delivered to homes, neighborhood wildfire and safety updates, community events, and other Sandia Heights news.
August GRIT: Sandia Pueblo Proposal, PNM Appeal, and More
Sandia Pueblo is seeking federal legislation to transfer approximately 10,000 acres within the T’uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area into federal trust. Because the proposal affects land bordering Sandia Heights, we’ve created a webpage with background information and a community survey. Please take a few minutes to learn more and share your feedback. The August GRIT also includes the latest update on the PNM substation appeal, an illustrated explanation of how electricity reaches your home, wildfire and neighborhood safety information, community events, and the annual Fourth of July parade and Roadrunner Food Bank food drive.
PNM update
Good Afternoon Sandia Heights Residents,
A quick update on the status of the Bernalillo County Commissioners denial of PNM's proposed substation application on Paseo del Norte and the 115 kV transmission lines down Tramway Blvd. PNM filed an appeal and here is the status:
LATEST
The Administrative Record (all the documents and transcripts from the Bernalillo County hearings) were filed in Second Judicial District Court on July 15, 2026.
NEXT STEPs
PNM has 33 days from that filing to file a “Statement of Appellate Issues” which is a 25 page brief describing how PNM thinks the Bernalillo County Commissioners violated the law or was arbitrary and capricious in its decision. 33 days after PNM’s Statement is filed, the County and SHHA and the North Albuquerque Acres Resident Coalition (NAARC) will file a 25 page Response Brief to the Statement of Appellate Issues where we will rebut PNM’s claims. Then 33 days after that PNM can file a Reply. Then, the District Court Judge, Dan Ramczyk, at its convenience, will either hold a hearing on the matter or will decide it on the papers. This process may take up to a year.
Whomever loses can file a petition for writ of certiorari to the Court of Appeals 30 days after the District Court makes its decision.
We will continue to keep you updated.
Bear Activity Reminder - Help Keep Bears Wild
Bear Activity Reminder - Help Keep Bears Wild
Black bears have been regularly visiting Sandia Heights since mid-May, with most activity occurring overnight as they search for food. Unfortunately, unsecured garbage continues to be the primary attraction, as evidenced by the number of trash containers being overturned daily.
A mother bear with two cubs has been seen repeatedly in the neighborhood. Mother bears are naturally protective of their young, and a recent encounter resulted in a dog being injured after approaching the bears. Please use extra caution before letting children or pets outside, especially early in the morning or after dark, and always give bears plenty of space.
The best way to reduce bear activity is to eliminate all food sources. Keep garbage securely stored until the morning of collection whenever possible. If you must put your container out the night before, secure it using straps as shown in the attached videos. Please also remove bird feeders and avoid leaving pet food or other attractants outdoors.
The New Mexico Department of Wildlife advises that bears generally cannot be removed simply because they are present in a neighborhood. Intervention typically occurs only if bears become threatening, damage property, or repeatedly harass people or animals. By then, the outcome for the bear may be euthanasia.
The good news is that this is something we can prevent. Bears that repeatedly find food around homes become increasingly bold and are more likely to return. Removing food sources is the most effective way to discourage bears from staying in our neighborhood, reduce the risk of dangerous encounters, and help ensure they remain wild rather than becoming bears that wildlife officials must remove to protect public safety.
Thank you for helping protect both our community and New Mexico's wildlife.
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Several communities use a ratchet strap as a temporary "bear strap" to keep the lid closed until collection. Sandia Heights Services has told us they are willing to remove the strap during pickup.
These videos demonstrate two examples:
- City of Prince George Canada https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0S-oAz3TOA
Alaska Fish and Game https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmnnwkL7T5Y (Utilize bin lip)
Taco & Margarita Fiesta – Arrival Schedule
Taco & Margarita Fiesta – Arrival Schedule
Dear Fiesta-Goers,
What a great problem to have - so many of you have signed up for the SHHA-sponsored Taco & Margarita Fiesta on Saturday, August 1!
The good news is that everyone will fit at the Homestead Café. However, the owner, Jory Rosen, has asked us to stagger arrivals so the food stays fresh and the bar and waitstaff are not overwhelmed. To help make the evening run smoothly, we've divided guests into three suggested arrival groups. You're welcome to stay as long as you'd like.
Arrival schedule:
- Last names A – G: 5:00 p.m.
- Last names H – O: 5:45–6:00 p.m.
- Last names P – Z: 6:45–7:00 p.m.
If you need to arrive earlier or later than your assigned time, please feel free to join a different group. These suggested arrival times are simply to help ensure fresher food, shorter waits at the bar, and a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Community Service & Membership Committee
Sandia Heights Homeowners Association (SHHA)
Postponed Wildfire Preparedness Workshop on Vent Protection
Wildfire Preparedness Workshop on Vent Protection Postponed
Questions regarding building codes, safety considerations, and best practices have recently been brought to our attention and require additional research. While we regret the postponement, the Environment & Safety Committee is committed to providing homeowners with information that is accurate, current, and consistent with applicable codes and wildfire preparedness recommendations.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to rescheduling the workshop once this review is complete. A new date will be announced as soon as it is available.