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Council approves MAC zoning changes and lease amendment allowing limited beer and wine service, adds reporting and program commitments
Summary
Council approved a zoning amendment to allow restaurants and limited alcohol service at the MAC and separately approved a ground-lease amendment defining a restricted service area, operating hours, administrative sanctions, increased reporting cadence and expanded free programming commitments.
The governing body approved a zone map amendment and a separate amendment to the substitute ground lease for the MAC (801 & 821 Loma Colorado Boulevard) to allow expanded uses including restaurants and restricted beer and wine service in a designated consumption area.
Director Amy Rincon described the zone map amendment (O9) that would add permissive uses—restaurants, bars, coffee/tea rooms, delicatessens and al fresco dining—to the special-use (SU) designation for the MAC parcel. She noted Planning & Zoning recommended approval and reminded council that any alcohol sales would still require the tenant to amend the city lease and to obtain a state liquor license.
Separately, the city manager presented the lease amendment (D20) under the city's role as landlord. The amendment defines a designated service/consumption area (a taproom and outdoor seating area) and sets operating parameters for restricted alcohol service (proposed hours Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sunday 9 p.m. for football viewing), provides for up to 12 special-event beer/wine permits inside the building, and establishes an administrative sanction regime (a $500 notice penalty) for violations of the restricted-service terms.
The city manager also said the amendment would increase the MAC's contractual commitment to provide free programming hours for Rio Rancho residents from 150 to 240 per year, shift reporting from semiannual to quarterly, and create a structure for periodic check-ins between the MAC and city Parks & Recreation staff.
Public comment included local resident Michael McDermott, who told the council he supported the proposal and said elements of the MAC are already in active use; councilors voiced general support. The motion to approve the ground lease amendment passed on a roll call vote. The city emphasized the lease amendment does not replace the state liquor-license process; operators must still secure a license through the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board as required by state law.
What will change: The MAC (tenant) may pursue a taproom/limited beer and wine service in the designated area, subject to the lease time/place/manner restrictions and any applicable state licensing. The lease gives the city an administrative tool ($500 notice sanctions) short of lease termination for limited enforcement.
