Mesilla historic‑preservation specialist outlines local register and nominations; farm nomination draws owner objections

Liana Aguirre, Mesilla’s historic preservation specialist, told the board on March 9 that the town has resubmitted its certified‑local‑government application and that local listing gives property owners and the town access to preservation technical assistance and grant funding (Aguirre estimated awards in the range of about $5,000 to $50,000 per CLG grant).

Aguirre walked trustees through the state and federal preservation framework, described the local design‑review process and said Mesilla’s approach does not require owner consent for nomination. “Designation shouldn’t be a liability. It’s a selling point,” Aguirre said, arguing that local listing can protect cultural resources while still allowing sympathetic repairs and additions under design review.

After the presentation Aguirre presented nominations including the Leonard Moran store (a plaza‑front adobe/brick commercial building), a contributing altered commercial building at 2600 Avenida De Mesilla (the Balacio Bar) and a rural nomination for Ginther Farms, a circa‑1890 adobe farmhouse and agricultural complex. Trustees voted to approve resolutions formally designating 2330 Calle De Principe and 2600 Avenue for the town’s local register.

The hearing turned contentious when the owner of 2090 Snow Road spoke during public comment. The owner said he learned from his realtors that a prospective buyer had been told by the preservation staff that exterior alterations to a barn—specifically adding doors or windows—would not be allowed. He said the buyer withdrew an offer and that the situation jeopardized his ability to sell a parcel he said was listed at $895,000. “I could not believe that someone from the town of Mesilla would go onto my property and dissuade a prospective buyer without even notifying me,” the owner said.

A real‑estate professional and a licensed appraiser who spoke at the meeting said the buyer’s withdrawal was prompted by restrictions described during the site visit and the appraiser offered a rough estimate that the owner could lose about 20% of his net retirement value if designation is applied. The appraiser urged the board to consider a purchase or other negotiated solution.

Aguirre and staff disputed the characterization that the town had secretly designated the property. Aguirre said the property had been under consideration and that her discussions with the potential buyer and contractor focused on what would be required if the property were ultimately designated; she said she had explained the process and the town’s options and reiterated that a hardship process and limited grant assistance are part of the existing code.

After extended debate about timing, owner rights and the town’s goals, trustees voted on a resolution to add 2090 Snow Road to the local register; the motion failed (roll call recorded as three no, one yes). Trustees and staff said they expect additional discussions about outreach, notification practices and the hardship/assistance processes before similar nominations move forward.

The board noted that local designations do not automatically prevent all exterior work: Aguirre described design review standards that allow additions and interior work while focusing controls on exterior elements deemed critical to a property’s historic integrity. She encouraged owners to use the permit and design‑review process early and said staff and volunteers (including public‑history students) can help with nominations.

The most recent procedural step is that Mesilla’s CLG application now rests with the National Park Service for final review; staff said that review typically takes about 10–14 days. The board’s action leaves the town with a formal pathway for local protection but highlights lingering community concern about timing and notification when nominations involve properties on the market.