Meeting Recap: State Fair/EXPO New Mexico Redevelopment Proposals
Community Voices on the Future of the New Mexico State Fairgrounds
On March 5th, the Revitalize San Pedro Partnership (RSPP) hosted a community meeting for business and property owners to discuss the future of the New Mexico State Fairgrounds. Using an interactive feedback tool, attendees shared their thoughts, concerns, and hopes regarding the proposed redevelopment of the site. This meeting provided an opportunity to capture public sentiment and amplify the voices of those who own businesses or property and work near the fairgrounds.
Sentiments and Concerns
Participants expressed a deep connection to the fairgrounds, with many recalling cherished memories. These ranged from family traditions and live concerts to the unique experiences of the State Fair itself. However, nostalgia was tempered with concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the redevelopment plans.
Key concerns raised by attendees included:
Community Displacement: Attendees voiced fears that introducing housing on the site could lead to gentrification and displacement of local businesses and residents.
Loss of Cultural Identity: Many participants questioned whether the redevelopment would erase the historical and cultural significance of the fairgrounds.
Transparency and Inclusion: A recurring theme was a lack of clarity regarding the decision-making process. Participants asked for assurances that local voices would be prioritized in shaping the site’s future.
Economic Impact: Some feared that removing or altering key elements of the fairgrounds could negatively affect small businesses and reduce economic activity in the surrounding area.
Fairground Relocation: Attendees debated the feasibility of relocating the State Fair to another site, with concerns about maintaining accessibility and preserving the unique character of the event.
Key Takeaways from the Presentation
The meeting included a presentation outlining potential redevelopment scenarios and their implications. Key points from the slides included:
Proposed Uses for the Site: Options under consideration include mixed-use development with housing, commercial spaces, and public gathering areas. Some plans also suggest repurposing sections of the fairgrounds while maintaining elements of its historical character.
Impact on Infrastructure: Redevelopment could require significant infrastructure upgrades, including traffic management solutions and improved public transit connections.
Public Engagement Process: Officials emphasized that the planning process is still in early stages and encouraged ongoing community input to shape final decisions.
Potential Economic Benefits: Some proposed changes could attract new investment to the area, increase property values, and generate new job opportunities, though concerns about affordability and displacement remain central to the discussion.
Questions for Decision-Makers
The interactive tool allowed attendees to submit questions they wanted to be addressed. Some of the most upvoted questions included:
How do the city, county, and state plan to ensure that existing businesses are not displaced by redevelopment?
What guarantees are in place to protect local businesses that rely on fairground-related traffic?
How will community members be involved in decision-making moving forward?
What are the expected economic benefits versus the risks of redevelopment?
Next Steps
Our goal is to ensure that the concerns raised at this meeting are addressed in any future discussions about the fairgrounds' redevelopment.
If you could not attend the meeting but would like to share your thoughts, you can still participate by filling out our survey. Your input is essential to shaping the future of our community.
Stay engaged with us for further updates and opportunities. Together, we can work toward a redevelopment plan that respects our history, supports local businesses, and strengthens our community.
