ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The development of a film studio near the Double Eagle II Airport is one step closer to becoming a reality. The developer cleared a major hurdle last week with the City of Albuquerque: Mesa Film Studio just got approval from the Environmental Planning Commission (EPC) for their site plan. "We selected the site out at Double Eagle II a little more than a year ago," said Manny Manriquez, deputy director of Innovation and Cultural Development for the Aviation Department for the City of Albuquerque. Story continues below Community: A look at the 2024 Good News Stories from New Mexico Crime: Video: BCSO wakes up driver accused of being under the influence Trending: Española city councilor wants to repeal ordinance that bans fortune telling News: Rio Rancho family picking up the pieces after vandals destroy memorial for teen Manriquez said they started talking about getting a film studio out on the several thousand-acre property on the West Mesa two years ago. "It's really been just ongoing to try to figure out where is the right location; how do we ensure that we go through all the processes in a methodical way so we can get there toward you know groundbreaking and building these facilities," Manriquez said. Earlier this month, Mesa Film Studio got one step closer to making its plan a reality after a site plan got approval from the EPC. "7 votes to one," Manriquez said. There are still processes to work through, however, before shovels meet ground; "but, this is a good milestone for us; and, encouraging that we have the support of the vast majority of the commissioners to move forward with this project," Manriquez said. He said there has been some public opposition up to this point: namely, the proximity to the Petroglyphs National Monument. "It's a holy site and a ceremonial site for the tribes and pueblos around the state and even beyond our borders. For that reason, it's a culturally sensitive site and the property that the Mesa Film Studios site would be on is adjacent to Atrisco Vista Boulevard and on the other side of Atrisco Vista are the petroglyphs. That is one of the primary issues that we've been dealing with is engaging with the broader community to ensure that we are listening to their input," Manriquez said. Coupled with that is concern about how the view of the area will be impacted. "So, we limited the building heights to initially no higher than 65 feet. I believe in the EPC hearing it was slightly reduced to 60 feet," Manriquez said; and, the buildings will be set one thousand feet back from Atrisco Vista Boulevard in an effort to preserve the view. "It's not going to have the same impact that a very large industrial manufacturing site for example might have." People have until January 6 to appeal the EPC's decision. If there is no appeal, Manriquez said the city will begin working with the Planning Department to make sure the site meets all the requirements to start building. They're aiming to break ground in the New Year.