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Commission approves up to $1 million LITA award for White Sands Theatre renovation; supporters cite arts-district benefit
Summary
The City Commission voted 7–0 to approve first publication of an ordinance authorizing up to $1,000,000 in Local Economic Development taxable incentive assistance for the White Sands Theatre renovation, an applicant-led project proponents say will complement the Flickinger Center and help form a downtown arts district.
The City Commission voted 7–0 Tuesday to approve first publication of an ordinance that would authorize up to $1 million in city development assistance for the White Sands Theatre renovation, a project presented by Troy Stegner and supported in the meeting by the Flickinger Center and Alamogordo Main Street.
Why it matters: City action moves a local economic development program application forward for public notice and possible subsequent action. Proponents framed the project as a complement to downtown cultural assets and a way to expand year‑round entertainment and economic activity.
What the applicant presented: Troy Stegner, the applicant and owner through Zia Comics (the applicant clarified the ordinance language would be corrected to Zia Comics), told the commission the building has “good bones” and that the interior footprint would be modernized to include a digital screen, new balcony seating and space for film‑office and museum displays showcasing local film history. Stegner said the project will focus on pop‑culture programming (e‑sports, watch parties, sing‑alongs and independent film premieres) rather than direct competition with the Flickinger Center, and that the theater could support an eventual film festival and increase downtown foot traffic.
Support from arts organizations: Matthew Wade, vice president of the Flickinger Center for the Performing Arts, told commissioners the Flickinger and its board support the White Sands project because it would expand cultural venues rather than compete, and that a strong set of venues would bolster a future New Mexico arts and cultural district designation.
Alamogordo Main Street Executive Director David Scott and local preservation advocates also urged support; Jan Waffle, a film‑theater historian, offered to volunteer on programming and noted the Sands would be featured in an upcoming book on historic theaters.
Funding, timeline and conditions: The ordinance presented to the commission said the grant/award would be a LITA (Local Economic Development) assistance package of up to $1,000,000 tied to job‑creation metrics. Stegner said he owns the building outright and expects interior demolition and renovation to take about 10 months to one year, depending on contractors and unforeseen structural issues. He said some demolition would be interior only (second‑floor opening to create a balcony) and that local construction firms had provided early estimates.
Vote and next steps: Commissioner Warren Robinson moved the ordinance for first publication and Commissioner Crystal Guthrie seconded; the roll call vote was 7–0 in favor. The commission directed staff to publish the proposed ordinance for public comment and to proceed with the first publication step required under the city’s LITA process. The ordinance text included references to cultural and arts development goals; staff said the final ordinance language would be corrected to identify the applicant as Zia Comics (a clerical correction noted during discussion).
Ending: Commissioners and community speakers framed the project as a downtown complement to existing arts assets; staff will return with the ordinance for subsequent readings after the statutorily required public‑notice period.
