By Patrick Hayes
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Nick Ray opened Main Street Bistro and Ale House in January. He told KFOX14 he chose downtown Las Cruces because it had potential to grow.
He was excited when the city council, meeting as the city’s Tax Increment Development District, voted on Monday to issue $5.5 million in bonds to build a plaza across the street. Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima said, “It’s going to be a gathering point and the focal point for Las Cruces.”
The city already has an agreement to buy land from a local developer, but council members needed to approve the release of bonds before construction could begin.
Some of the money will be used to purchase property from a bank. That area is located on the northeast corner of Griggs Avenue and Main Street.
Construction should start in January and finish in early 2016.