Boy Scout camp raising concerns

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A newly approved permit for a Boy Scout camp is rubbing some neighbors the wrong way.

The camp would take shape on a 40 acre site donated by The Campbell Ranch located in Sandia Park.

“What we see out there is a day camp for cub scouts and then weekend camping for boy scouts and cub scouts during the non-summer months,” said Chris Shelby, Scout Executive for the Great Southwest Council.

The Great Southwest Council was on its way toward that goal, receiving a special permit from Bernalillo County this summer, to start some work on the property.

However, that permit is now being appealed by the Sandia Park Scenic Byway Neighborhood Association.

“My biggest concern is fire, ya know if one match hits the ground in the wrong place around here the whole place burns up,” said Frank Dempsey.

Dempsey lives in Sandia Park and opposes the camp.

It is no secret the East Mountains are very dry and full of fuel. Some residents told News 13 they live in constant fear of a big blaze.

Fire though is not the only worry with the camp. Neighbors said it would mean more traffic and noise too.

“Having kids overnight and at large numbers and then the fire piece of it concerns me within in our neighborhood it really is a neighborhood,” said Krista Bonfantine.

There are water worries also.

We’re dry and the wells are going down, people have to re-drill deeper and deeper,” Dempsey said.

The boy scouts said they are working on an agreement to use the well that is already on the property.

As for the fire concerns, “We just want to make sure we minimize that concern in that area, we teach our kids about fire safety they have to earn the right to even carry matches,” Shelby said.

Neighbors said if the scouts do some significant thinning on the property before they start using it that will ease some of their concerns.

As for the appeal, that goes before the county commission on November 7, 2012.