City gives initial OK to ‘bed and brew’

Despite some neighbors’ objections, Sawmill-area project advances

New Mexico’s first “bed and brew” moved one step closer to reality on Thursday despite some neighbors’ objections to the project.

The city of Albuquerque’s Environmental Planning Commission unanimously approved Jesse Herron’s request to rezone his Sawmill residence for use as a boarding or lodging establishment that can sell beer or wine for on-premise consumption. Herron has proposed opening Painted Lady Bed & Brew at his property near Bellamah and 12th, offering two of the triplex’s units for guest rental while living in the other. Under a specialized, $100-a-year bed and breakfast liquor license from the state — one that still needs city approval — he could sell each guest up to two servings of beer or wine per day. The idea is to shift the typical bed and breakfast concept; rather than breakfast, Herron would offer an evening session focused on local beer. Herron plans to market the site as a starting point for visitors eager to explore the city’s craft beer scene, noting there are six breweries or taprooms within a 15-minute walk. Several brewery owners wrote the city in support of the project, as did Tania Armenta, president and CEO of Visit Albuquerque, and the president of the Wells Park Neighborhood Association.

But four opponents addressed the commission, questioning whether they had been properly notified and expressing concerns about the potential for increased activity and alcohol use. One nearby property owner, Lee Amador said the area is already “inundated ... with liquor people.” Another argued Painted Lady did not jibe with the sector plan and questioned its value.

“There’s not anything innovative about this, and Wells Park has more than its fair share of breweries and craft beer,” Bianca Encinias said.

“The new cool in this city right now is taking care of our children, ensuring safety, building community by knowing our neighbors and showing our children healthy lifestyles and how to make healthy choices. That’s the new cool.”

But city planning staff testified the notification was proper and that the project met the requirements for a zone change.

Herron also tried to allay some concerns by calling it a “boutique” operation — the two units have a capacity for six people — and offering to sit down with neighbors to answer their questions.

“I don’t want them to be stressed about it, I don’t want them to be thinking they have to move now; that’s not the case,” he said. “It is so small in nature.”

The commission voted unanimously for the zone change and several expressed support of the project.

“I appreciate the neighbors keeping a hawkish eye on a beautiful spot in Albuquerque, but revitalization always requires change and change requires vision, and I think this is a great little use for a unique property,” said Commissioner Bill McCoy III.