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More Information |
Utilities and Community Services![]() ElectricityThe West Basin in the Galisteo Basin Preserve was designed to be a national model of resource-efficient development—one that honors and respects the environmental opportunities and constraints of the region. To advance this vision, homes within the West Basin will be serviced by individual solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems. PV technology is supplying the power needs of hundreds of homes in the Santa Fe area and thousands more throughout New Mexico. The West Basin enjoys more than 320 days of sunshine a year, making it an optimal site for solar energy generation. A well-crafted PV power system supplies clean, quiet, and uninterrupted electric power for homeowners. A standard system includes an array of solar panels, a special battery for storing electricity, and a generator to supplement a household's power needs during extended periods without sunshine. To help advance the goal of a resource-efficient community, Commonweal Conservancy will provide each homestead owner with a one-time $50,000 rebate to underwrite a portion of an owner's energy-efficiency design investment, as well as the design and installation costs for a solar photovoltaic power system. RoadsWest Basin Ridge is a private road serving four of the five homesteads in the West Basin. 406 Camino los Abuelos is directly accessible from County Road 42. West Basin Ridge was carefully designed to capture the dramatic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It incorporates an ecologically sustainable and low maintenance design to ensure its long-term utility. By respecting the land's natural contours and ridgelines, rainwater is directed to adjoining watersheds—sustaining the plant and animal habitat of the property. Road maintenance fees will be assessed on a quarterly basis. Community stewardship fees are estimated to be $250 per quarter. Telehone/Internet ServiceTelephone service will be provided by an Internet-based "Voice Over IP" (VOIP) service. Unlike traditional telephone service, VOIP providers utilize the advanced fiber optic networks of the Internet, enabling them to offer analog or digital phone service with highly competitive rates and features. VOIP offers unlimited local and long distance calling for a monthly fee. In many cases users may retain their existing phone number, regardless of location. Cellular phone service and accessibility is available through local and national providers such as Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and AT&T. High-speed Internet access is available through La Canada Wireless—a local wireless network association that serves residents of the Galisteo Basin—or Southwest Wireless, a commercial provider. Average connection speeds (upload and download) are approximately 1000 bytes/second, vastly exceeding the standard for cable or DSL services of 256 bytes/second or less. WaterAll West Basin home sites will be serviced by separate, independent water wells. The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) of the West Basin encourage owners to minimize their domestic water consumption by recycling water and using rainwater catchment systems for all outdoor irrigation. |
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| Site Map | Terms | ©2005-2008, Commonweal Conservancy; all rights reserved. 117 N. Guadalupe Street, Suite C, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 |
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