New York Avenue Redevelopment Proposal, We All Own the Answer - Participate and Shop Local

The City of Alamogordo and Alamogordo MainStreet hosted a public meeting June 30th at the Willie Estrada Civic Center to present the draft Downtown Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) Plan. The City’s consultant, Consensus Planning, made a presentation of the draft MRA Plan and took comments from about 30 residence, business owners and interested parties at the meeting that was open to all residence and appropriately spaced in compliance with Covid-19 requirements.

The plan presenter discussed data, explained the establishment of an MRA District, reviewed area strengths (assets), weaknesses (areas of opportunity to improve), challenges and possible funding sources to help meet the plan objectives was presented for public comment.

Some of the funding sources are grants, and eligibility is based on whether a city has an adopted MRA plan, so having this plan opens additional funding doors to the Alamogordo community. The Plan is required to be maintained as part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan (which was updated and adopted in 2018) and is utilized by City leadership and the downtown association as a roadmap. Alamogordo MainStreet staff and volunteers actively use the Plan to guide the district improvement work as redevelopment commences downtown in the New York Avenue corridor.

The district has potential and character with businesses such as Roadrunner Emporium , Moni Sweet Cakes, Blessed Moments Photography, Off The Wall, Picacho Brewing Company,  Veteto Vision Center formerly Marquardt Eye Associates, Flickinger Center for Performing Arts,  Elite Memories Boutique, Maupin's Home Furniture and other area businesses actively involved in recovery from Covid-19 and moving the plan forward in participation and collaboration with the district leadership. During the meeting there was good debate and much dialog concerning traffic flow, parking, landscaping and design and the entrance sculptured art proposals to designate the district.

The dialog was enthusiastic yet at time contentious concerning traffic flow across 10th Avenue due to the odd street configuration.  Some business owners appeared concerned about the potential loss of a few parking sports but the greater good was pointed out by the architect and a very profound statement was made comparing the walk from the Walmart parking to their entrance to the walk from the street parking to the New York Avenue stores. The point was valid that individuals don't mind a small walk regardless of age in a nice well let district that is safe and has a unique mix of offerings.

One interesting recommendation from a public participant was for the city to lease the parking lot behind New York Avenue in the evening from the bank and another nearby parking lot and possibly cover it with solar panels to provide covered parking and solar power to the downtown district. This was an innovative and forward thinking recommendation from a public participant. As usual others recommended more food concepts with beer and liquor service to liven up the district for traffic. 

Traffic flow and parking were the biggest concerns of the meeting voiced by a minority of speakers. Most embraced the suggested changes enthusiastically. 

The Project Team members accepted comments and questions at the meeting and for those who did not or were unable to attend were able to make comments until July 7th were to be mailed,
faxed, or emailed to Jeff Stuart, MRWM Landscape Architects, 1102 Mountain Road NW, Suite 201, Albuquerque, NM 87102, 505-268-2266, fax 505-265-9637, or jstuart@mrwmla.com. All comments were to be received by July 7, 2021.

The key of course to the success of downtown ultimately falls to the local government leadership to commit to a plan with the future in mind and for the downtown businesses and building owners to actually be open minded, participate, step out of their comfort zones to compete for local and tourism dollars by offering services and products that are unique to Alamogordo and unique to the customer experience as a draw. Towns such as Silver and Artesia have done an amazing job of transforming their main street areas and it is time for Alamogordo to step up its game to compete. 

There is a will and a commitment by many business owners, as mentioned above to adopt and adapt. Most having survived Covid-19 each are now excited about a clear go forward path to grow.

However, there are still empty storefronts and buildings that are risky to recruiting development dollars downtown. The city leadership and code enforcement needs to address the dilapidation of buildings central to the district that need attention, especially those historical in nature that need to be preserved before they fall to further disrepair and become unsalvageable.

To see more details of the guiding plan with surveys and much detail for the district check out:

https://ci.alamogordo.nm.us/DocumentCenter/View/3498/Final-Adopted-MRA-Plan---031219

And of course support the small merchants and local downtown businesses. Shop Local as local dollars fuel the local community. Merchants such as  Roadrunner Emporium have recently shown a strong commitment to enhancing the downtown offering by expanding the selection of local artists and fine arts offerings, expanded hours and beginning in August will be opening until 7 pm nightly and hosting classes and workshops for the public.

Video Showcasing 3 Local Alamogordo Artist at Roadrunner Emporium Fine Arts Gallery, Antiques & More

Picacho Brewing Company is stepping up with outdoor and indoor service with live music on weekends and expanded offerings. 

Flickinger Center for Performing Arts is back into full gear hosting a season of activities and the soups and coffees of the attached Patron Hall Cafe are a delight for daytime dining. 

And soon a new art gallery will be opening next to the Flickinger Center - stay tuned to see much more exciting announcements from this unique district.

Alamogordo Main Street Promotion Video Created by Second Life Media Parent Company of the AlamogordoTownNews.com

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