Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Downtown Parking And Business License topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mesilla approves Avion de Mesilla restaurant but conditions parking and alcohol approvals
Summary
The board approved business license 1482 for Avion de Mesilla (2410 Calle De Principal) with a condition that the landlord identify and demonstrate sufficient employee/ADA parking (per town code); the applicant must apply separately for any liquor license. Vote: 3–1.
The Mesilla Board of Trustees voted on April 6, 2026 to approve business license 1482 for a proposed restaurant, Avion de Mesilla, to occupy the former Don Felix Cafe space at 2410 Calle De Principal, but attached conditions tied to parking and later alcohol licensing.
Staff said the application packet was complete with lease and business plan and described that the restaurant will serve elevated brunch and Southwestern‑fusion dishes. The applicant (identified in the packet as Sarah Booth) intends to seek an alcohol license later; staff reiterated that New Mexico regulates alcohol licensing and that any municipal review would be a separate step.
Commissioners spent extended time on parking policy for the mixed‑use parcel. Staff cited Mesilla code 18.61.170, noting that mixed‑use buildings typically require 1 space per 200 square feet. Using the building’s square footage, staff calculated roughly a 34‑space requirement for the parcel before accounting for short‑term rentals and other tenants. Commissioners debated grandfathering of existing uses, whether parking fees should be assessed versus building new spaces, and practical alternatives such as marked employee spaces or wheel stops.
Commissioner Lucero proposed a condition requiring the landlord to identify and mark employee parking, including ADA spaces, and to meet the code‑based count or pay the town parking fee for any shortfall. The board approved the license with that condition (vote recorded as 3–1).
The motion and condition mean the restaurant may open once the landlord documents adequate parking per the town’s determination; if the restaurant later seeks to sell alcohol the applicant must submit the required paperwork for separate review.
