Fairgrounds Parking Lot Sale Discussions Postponed for 5 Years

The City Commission held its Regular Meeting on August 12, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Donald E. Carroll Commission Chambers, 1376 E Ninth Street, Alamogordo, New Mexico. The City of Alamogordo Commission met on and took actions on several contentious matters. 

The Commission took on discussion on the sale of the fairgrounds parking lot. Locals to include County Commissioner Amy Barela took on the fairgrounds issue rallying individuals against any potential sale suggesting that a sale would be bad for Alamogordo. 

Per  Barela, this lot is more than just asphalt; it's a vital resource for our community that supports numerous essential services.

The community relies on this space for:

Emergency Evacuations: In times of crisis, we need a safe area for our community to gather and receive assistance.

 Natural Disaster Preparedness: The fairground serve as a vital training ground for emergency responders and community drills.

CDL Training: This parking lot is used for vital commercial driver’s license training, helping locals secure jobs and improve their livelihoods.

 Food Co-op & Food Bank Deliveries: It’s a crucial hub for food distribution, ensuring that our community members in need have access to essential resources.

Parking for Elections: A critical space for voters during elections, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate in our democracy.

 Local Fire Department Trainings: Our first responders depend on this area for training that keeps our community safe.

Let’s fill City Hall and let our elected officials know just how much this would hurt our community!”

All the while some of this may be true others suggested if the county really cared so much why doesn’t it make an offer for the fairgrounds and also offer to upgrade them.

Others suggested the highest and best use of the property is to sell it and reinvest in taxpayers needed projects like road repairs.

Others suggested moving the fairgrounds to Lavelle Road by the Balloon Park, investing in new buildings and more space and make the fairgrounds a true modern and nice family friendly facility that could be used year around for flea markets, conventions and multiple events.

The commission voted to delay any further discussion or decision on the potential sale of the Otero County Fair fairgrounds parking lot for five years, effectively postponing consideration until 2030 to allow for additional study and community 

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