Village leaders in Questa are in the early stages of reviewing a housing concept that supporters say could help ease the community’s housing shortage, though questions about infrastructure, water use and long-term impacts remain unresolved.
During a Dec. 10 work-study session, village officials met with representatives from Earth Space Technical Ecosystem Enterprises (ESTEE) to discuss a preliminary idea for developing approximately 60 homes at the Questa Business Park. Officials stressed the meeting was informational only and did not involve approvals, funding decisions or a construction timeline.
The proposal is being advanced by ESTEE CEO Omar Fayed, an entrepreneur based in Santa Fe whose work emphasizes sustainable infrastructure and long-term cost efficiency. Early conversations have also involved the New Mexico Economic Development Department and Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC), whose renewable energy investments in Questa were cited as a key factor in attracting interest to the area.
Paige Ryan, with the state’s Economic Development Department, said the project was originally explored in Santa Fe but stalled due to challenges working with the Public Service Company of New Mexico. Outreach to KCEC later opened discussions in northern Taos County, including Questa.
Mayor John Ortega said the concept aligns with the village’s need for more attainable housing, particularly for working residents. Preliminary plans envision a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, with three-bedroom units potentially priced around $200,000. Ortega emphasized that the goal is affordability rather than profit.
“They’re not trying to make money off these houses,” Mayor Ortega said. “They’re selling them at the cost of construction and infrastructure.”
By comparison, average home prices across Taos County currently range from roughly $494,000 to $539,000, based on recent MLS data.
According to ESTEE representatives, the homes would be built using high-performance structural cellular concrete, also known as air-concrete. The material is lighter than traditional concrete and offers greater insulation, which advocates say can reduce long-term energy costs. While air-concrete carries a higher upfront price — estimated between $360 and $1,200 per cubic yard — supporters argue those costs can be offset over time.
Local architect Mark Goldman of Taos, a UNM–Taos lecturer who runs a construction certificate program, is participating in early discussions.
Infrastructure capacity quickly became a focal point of the meeting. newly elected Questa councilman Daryl Ortega questioned whether the village’s current water and sewer systems could support a development of that scale.
“There’s no capacity for the sewer,” he said. “We don’t have the infrastructure.”
Mayor Ortega countered that upgrades are planned and expected to be in place before any construction begins. Fayed said wastewater treatment and infrastructure planning are central to his company’s work and acknowledged the concerns raised by council members.
Community members offered mixed reactions. Local ranchers Juan Cisneros, a board member of the Questa Independent School District, and Max and Sabrina Mascareñas raised concerns about how new development could affect acequias. Mayor Ortega said Goldman is familiar with acequia systems and would avoid designs that interfere with them.
Councilwoman Louise Gallegos said she remains cautiously optimistic but noted that many details have yet to be worked out. Village officials reiterated that future meetings will focus on infrastructure capacity, environmental impacts and public input before any decisions move forward.
The discussion also highlighted differing perspectives among attendees. Some residents expressed skepticism about cultural impacts and resource limitations, while others — including those with ties outside the immediate area — viewed the proposal as an opportunity to strengthen affordability and encourage residents to return home.
Fayed shared his personal background with the Questa del Rio News, saying that despite growing up with financial means, his professional focus has been sustainability and long-term human development. He is the son of the late Egyptian businessman Mohamed Abdel Fayed.
In addition to leading ESTEE, Fayed is co-founder and CEO of EarthX, a data visualization and mapping company built on NASA’s World Wind Project. He also serves as chairman of Synergetic Press and is a fellow at the Institute of Ecotechnics. His companies operate offices in Switzerland, Britain and Santa Fe.
Fayed said his work centers on regenerative systems for wastewater treatment, food production and air management, with applications ranging from sustainable communities on Earth to future space exploration. Long-term concepts discussed for Questa include greenhouse infrastructure to support local food production and supply Taos County businesses.
Mayor Ortega said the village has been in conversation with Fayed for about a year and that Questa’s renewable energy initiatives helped set it apart.
No timeline has been established, and village officials emphasized the proposal remains conceptual as discussions continue.
