MAC expansion takes next steps forward

The Rio Rancho Governing Body voted unanimously Feb. 22 in favor of adding restaurants and courts to the McDermott Athletic Center on Loma Colorado Blvd.

The applicant, Michael McDermott, through his agent, McClain & Yu Architecture and Design, requested approval of a zone map amendment to add restaurants, bars, lounges, coffee/tea rooms, delicatessens, and patio/al fresco dining facilities as a permissive use to the current special use for educational, recreational and cultural uses zoning designation at 821 Loma Colorado Blvd. NE.

The plans for the expansion were already approved at last week’s Planning and Zoning Board meeting.

“This is actually a goal to expand on what we have to the community we love so much and to expand the services to not just the kids but the families of the kids,” McDermott said.

McDermott is requesting this zone change to provide updated permissions to allow for a bar and restaurant on the property. He also proposed two volleyball courts and three pickleball courts.

There was some concern from Councilor Paul Wymer about the liquor license due to Legacy Church and schools being nearby, but the city staff confirmed the required distances apply to existing buildings and not property ownership.

“The focus here is to still be a family center. We still have kids playing in the MAC center. It’s not something where we want this to turn into a college party spot,” he added.

He said it would be a place where people can go have a bite after activities at the MAC.

“We are so excited for the opportunity going forward,” McDermott said.

Councilor Nicole List asked about the impact on traffic the addition would trigger in the area, especially on Terraza Boulevard. City staff said that a basic analysis of traffic in the area is done when the application is looked at but in-depth analysis happens further along in the process.

Mayor Gregg Hull expressed more concern for a property near the proposed one that is zoned for commercial.

“I know Legacy owns it, but the way it is zoned right now, it could be a gas station and could be subject to a site plan approval,” he said.

He said the MAC proposal wouldn’t be the threat to traffic but whatever is added in the commercial lot would be.

The property will sit to the northeast of the existing building.