Alamogordo approves up to $1 million for Rad Retrocade to open downtown

The Alamogordo City Commission voted 7-0 on May 13 to approve ordinance 17-12, authorizing up to $1,000,000 in local economic development assistance for Rad Retrocade, a retro-themed arcade, restaurant and bar proposed for a vacant downtown building.

Supporters told the commission Rad Retrocade would help revive downtown by extending evening activity, providing jobs and anchoring neighboring businesses. "Our goal tonight is very simple, to show you that Alamogordo is ready, excited, and fully behind approving this business to come into our district," said Nolan Ojeda, executive director of Alamogordo Main Street, during a presentation that included several downtown business owners and residents.

Why it matters: City and Main Street presenters said Rad would leverage recent public investment downtown — Ojeda cited about $4,700,000 in state and municipal infrastructure work — and address a large vacant building. Proponents argued the business would fill a gap in family- and youth-oriented entertainment and create part-time and full-time positions that local high school and college students could use.

Details of the project and public comments Nolan…