On Monday, the Albuquerque City Council approved the multiphase expansion of Mesa Film Studios.
The Chamber supports, and has testified in favor, of the proposed $80 million film studio project near Double Eagle II Airport. The project is from Mesa Media Group.
During the meeting, the city of Albuquerque’s Environmental Planning Commission presented its findings. On April 7, councilors had asked the EPC to review an appeal to Mesa Film Studios after several organizations complained the decision was rushed without community input and raised the concern the studio would threaten the nearby petroglyphs. The EPC found the city is fully justified and cleared to move forward with the project, saying the city has followed all regulations, including laws that will protect the petroglyphs. The Council approved those findings.
Mesa Media’s plans for the facility, a 60-acre plot adjacent to the Double Eagle II Airport, will expand the company’s post-production ability, with more than 312,000 square feet of improvements on the site, including six sound stages, an oversized mill and 60,000 square feet of office space.
The Chamber has testified that this level of hardscape investment means jobs — 320 construction jobs, 25 full-time jobs with annual salaries and benefits of $1.4 million, and the hundreds of jobs that come with the projects that choose Albuquerque as their base of operations.
Studio representatives estimate it will bring in 1,200 jobs a year.
“This is a major win for the West Side and all of Albuquerque,” said City Councilor Louie Sanchez. “In the first year of operations, the (Mesa Film Studios) expansion is expected to create 24 full-time jobs and over 750 studio production jobs. These are good-paying jobs closer to home, reducing commutes and pollution and strengthening our local economy. This smart-growth initiative demonstrates our commitment to fostering a thriving and connected city.”