In a recent government meeting, the Growth Management Division presented case number 245140, concerning a conditional use permit (CUP) requested by Jezebel Incorporated to establish a tavern in Madrid, New Mexico. The applicant, Jessica Kaplan, seeks to convert an existing 2,500 square foot structure, along with an 800 square foot outdoor patio, into a sit-down tavern serving beer and wine, but no spirits.

The proposed location, situated at 2860 A New Mexico Highway 14, is within the Madrid Community District Overlay, which permits bars and taverns under specific zoning regulations. Currently, the site houses a fine art gallery, an old-fashioned soda fountain, and a gift shop, all of which will continue to operate alongside the new tavern.

The tavern aims to enhance the dining experience by extending lunch service to dinner hours while maintaining a designated alcohol-free zone within the soda fountain area. The building, a historic structure over 400 years old, was originally a general store during Madrid's coal mining era.

Staff from the Building and Development Services reviewed the application and found it compliant with local zoning laws and state requirements. The hearing officer recommended approval of the CUP, contingent upon the applicant obtaining a liquor license and adhering to specific conditions outlined in the meeting.

The proposal is set to be formally recorded, and the community awaits further developments as the application progresses through the approval process.