AlamogordoTownNews.com NMEDD Awards $1.9M in Capital Outlay to Alamogordo MainStreet - New York Avenue

New Mexico Economic Development Department announces $1.9 Million grant to New York Avenue...

Alamogordo MainStreet, in partnership with the City of Alamogordo and New Mexico MainStreet, was recently awarded $1.9 million in Capital Outlay funds from the New Mexico Economic Development Department and New Mexico Main Street to improve the street scape of the 800 and 900 blocks of New York Avenue in Alamogordo's downtown district.

According to Economic Development Secretary, Alicia J. Keyes, "Capital Outlay investments are an important economic driver because they upgrade utilities, public safety, pedestrian access and more. These visible improvements beautify the streetscape, enhance a community’s character, and build confidence for private sector reinvestment."

Alamogordo MainStreet and the City of Alamogordo, along with MRWM, have already completed work on creating the engineering and development plans for improvements in the district, and construction is likely to begin summer of 2023. Improvements will include major infrastructure like replacing water and sewer lines, updating utilities, new sidewalks, lamp posts, benches, and place making elements as well as much needed ADA compliant upgrades for pedestrians, and more accessible parking.

These improvements will benefit the downtown district of Alamogordo by helping to bring more foot traffic to the area, thereby improving the economy of the district and Alamogordo as a whole. Studies show that dollars spent in small local businesses are more likely to stay in the local economy than money spent at chain stores, and local businesses typically reinvest twice as much into their local economy.

In addition to the benefits that will be seen through increased foot traffic, this project will also create jobs during construction.

With the completion of this project, Alamogordo MainStreet will be eligible for more Capital Outlay grant opportunities to continue improving and beautifying Alamogordo’s historical downtown district.

During construction, businesses on the 800-900 blocks of New York Avenue will remain open and be accessible through their rear entrances during sidewalk work. Alamogordo MainStreet is working on a plan for signage to direct shoppers to the most convenient parking areas.

Alamogordo Mayor Susan Payne creating a business-friendly environment of Alamogordo.

Alamogordo, Mayor Susan Payne has made it a priority of her tenure to revisit and strike cumbersome city ordinances coordinating and collaborating with private business leaders to ensure city government gets out of the way and supports local small business growth. Her priority has been collaboration with all stakeholders in Santa Fe and locally.

Alamogordo Mayor Susan Payne reacted to the news with the following statement: "I am thrilled to see this project moving forward thanks to the incredible effort put forth by our Alamogordo MainStreet Partners led by Executive Director Nolan Ojeda. His leadership is exactly what was needed for this time and the dedication to this project by the Alamogordo MainStreet Board of Directors is something to be admired. I also want to give a huge thank you and express my appreciation to our incredible city staff for working so diligently to make this happen. The partnership, along with the many downtown merchants that have invested so much into the revitalization of our downtown area, are just one example of what is possible when we all work together for the betterment of our community. "

Increased Community Activities:

Alamogordo's downtown MainStreet corridor of New York Avenue has seen a significant uptick in activities in 2022, with a variety of street festivals to include the Flickinger Center hosted Heritage Festival, Alamogordo MainStreet sponsored Rockabilly and the upcoming MainStreet Christmas, plus merchant driven activities such as Downtown Nights First Friday and the Summertime New York Avenue Farmers Market, Blush Salon sponsored Dogtoberfest and the November 12th New York Avenue Roadrunner Emporium sponsored Fashion Show at the Gardens of New York benefiting COPE. Additionally, the Flickinger Center via Patrons Hall, the Local Bodega and Roadrunner Emporium hosts art classes, singing lessons, free live music nights, a partnered history and ghost tour and more. 

Private Investment is leading the way to New York Avenue growth and jobs:

New businesses to the New York Avenue business district that have opened over the past year include the Local Bodega, Lydia Emmanuel Office Suites, New York Art and Music Studio, the Gardens of New York, and Copper Rose Salon. Soon to open businesses include Zia Comics, ReneFit NM Fitness, the 1209 Gallery, Gallery 1207 and more. 

Cultural Arts Paired with History Making the District Unique

An investment group consisting of Emmanuel Lydia Productions and 2nd Life Media/Roadrunner Emporium Inc. recently purchased the Sands Theater, built in 1928, that is undergoing renovation and will open in the near future hosting the Southern New Mexico Film Museum, a Cafe and be reinvented into a boutique performance venue and will show foreign, independent and classic films.

The Tularosa Basin Historical Society is also involved in downtown improvement in facilitating the building of a new railroad history park at the corner of White Sands and 10th Street also with a grant procured via Alamogordo MainStreet from Union Pacific Railroad.  The park development is funded in partnership with the Alamogordo MainStreet facilitated grant, the city of Alamogordo and the Tularosa Basin Historic Society within eyeshot of the 900 Block of New York Avenue.

Come on downtown to Alamogordo’s MainStreet New York Avenue, support local small business and keep dollars in the local community. 

To learn more visit https://www.alamogordomainstreet.org/

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