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Mesilla panel re-elects officers, approves pole barn and restaurant application; prefabricated shed denied
Summary
At its Jan. 20 meeting the Mesilla Planning, Zoning and Historical Appropriateness Commission re-elected Eric Walkinshaw as chair, approved a pole barn at 2905 Calle del Sur and a restaurant license for 1705 Tierra de Mesilla (El Parian de Mesilla), and denied a prefabricated shed application at 2872 Calle de San Albino.
The Mesilla Planning, Zoning and Historical Appropriateness Commission re-elected its officers and took three formal votes on Jan. 20, approving a pole barn and a restaurant license while denying a prefabricated shed.
In officer elections conducted under floor nominations, the commission elected Lori Miller as secretary, Eric Gallegos as vice chair and re-elected Eric Walkinshaw as chair. Commissioner RoseMary Alvillar nominated Miller for secretary; the roll-call vote recorded Gallegos yes, Miller yes, Alvillar yes and Mulvihill no. Gallegos was elected vice chair by unanimous vote; Walkinshaw was re-elected chair with the same 3-1 pattern (Mulvihill opposed in both contested votes).
On zoning and business items: the commission approved Zoning Case #062084 (2905 Calle del Sur), submitted by Henry DiMatteo, asking to build an accessory pole barn in a Rural Farm zone. Community/Economic Director Eddie Salazar said construction began without a permit, that the structure meets setback requirements, and that an investigation fee applies under town code. Vice Chair Eric Gallegos moved to approve; the motion passed 4-0.
The commission denied Zoning Case #062085 (2872 Calle de San Albino), submitted by Jeffrery Buras, which requested placement of an 8x12 prefabricated shed in a Historical Residential zone. Discussion focused on color compatibility and architectural standards; commissioners determined the shed did not meet design standards and voted 0-4 to deny. Staff told the applicant he may resubmit with a different style or earth-tone color.
The commission approved Business Case #1458 (1705 Tierra de Mesilla), submitted by Cesar Huizar, to operate a restaurant. Salazar said a business license and an alcohol application had been submitted to the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department and that the applicant must pay an annual $500 parking fee; the approval passed 4-0. Commissioners asked about drainage, signage and potential EV charging infrastructure.
During commissioner and staff comments, Alt. Commissioner Mary Lucero and others raised a separate enforcement question about a plastic curtain enclosure at a Highway 28 winery and whether the town’s code requires a permit for such exterior changes. Salazar said enforcement turns on the code language and that staff will follow up with code enforcement and report back at a future meeting.
All final votes were taken by roll call. The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent.
Votes at a glance: - Elect secretary (Lori Miller): Gallegos yes; Miller yes; Alvillar yes; Mulvihill no — elected. - Elect vice chair (Eric Gallegos): unanimous — elected. - Elect chair (Eric Walkinshaw): Gallegos yes; Miller yes; Alvillar yes; Mulvihill no — elected. - Zoning Case #062084 (2905 Calle del Sur): approved 4-0. - Zoning Case #062085 (2872 Calle de San Albino): denied 0-4; applicant may resubmit. - Business Case #1458 (1705 Tierra de Mesilla — El Parian de Mesilla): approved 4-0.
