A controversial plan to create an Arts and Culture District within the village continues to get pushback.
The formation of an Arts and Cultural District with Corrales MainStreet at the helm, is moving forward. Corrales MainStreet worked with New Mexico MainStreet on the start-up requirements to create a Cultural Economic Development Plan, (CEDP). The CEDP is a requirement for a state-authorized Arts and Culture District. Proponents and organizers say that the designation of an Arts and Culture District means the village can apply for grants that support the arts and events in Corrales.
“They have certain rules and regulations in order to be a district,†said Mayor Jim Fahey. “Some things we’ve gotten done and some things we’re still working on.â€
But the village and MainStreet organizers have seen quite a lot of backlash from the plans. Many have said the village doesn’t need an Arts and Culture District, which would just bring in more visitors that the village doesn’t need.
“Folks that are against this have confused the district with the discussions we’ve been having about the new building, which would be a multi-use facility,†Fahey said. “That’s not what this is. We’re not building anything new. This is just calling an area and group of buildings that already exist, and Arts and Culture District so we can get grants and uplift the area.â€
Fahey emphasized that there’s no cost to residents in the village to complete the designation.
One of the big things in the plan for the district is a commercial kitchen. “Corrales is an agricultural village, cooking and agriculture are our culture,†said Fahey.
Get Involved
The village will host a presentation of the ACD Plan on July 31, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the old gym located at 4324 Corrales Rd. After the presentation, there will be a chance for public comment
To read the plan before that meeting, visit the Corrales MainStreet website at corralesmainstreet.org or by visiting canva.com/design/DAGJ0bhNydA/wIXqEwQ7cBQrV0qZxgG6_A/view.