Two downtown stadiums (including one for a triple A baseball team), a riverwalk, bike paths, and a coming street car system. What can ABQ learn from Oklahoma City? The Tea Party and the Rio Grande Foundation aren't going to like what super Red Oklahoma City has done. But those either thinking of exiting ABQ or coming to ABQ might...
Despite UNM finding* that program improves driving safety, city council votes 5-4 to end program. Councilor Dan Lewis has made this issue a cause celebre. He cites the "will of the voters" who narrowly voted against the program (53%) in a recent non-binding low turn out election. My message to Councilor Lewis and camera opponents remains the same: What is your solution to rampant red light running in ABQ? And if accidents increase at intersections that had cameras are you willing to take the blame?
In lot north of Silver Garden apartments, the Alvarado Urban farm is taking shape.
I've written about my enthusiasm for Mayor Berry's ABQ: The Plan, a series of "quality of life" projects. I was particularly enthused about bike trail improvements that would create a safe, 50-mile loop around the city that would benefit all residents. In light of two recent hideous bike deaths this highly affordable project seemed particularly needed. Instead we are reminded once again that despite our amazing weather and outdoor activities this is a car-first city. We will now be voting in November to kick $25 million toward a $350 million plus project (Paseo Freeway Exchange) that is years away from seeing the light of day; the bike loop improvements would have cost about $10 million, would create jobs in the very near future, and would be a project that citizens could enjoy and one the city could promote to visitors; this project is instead put off into the future. This is vision? This is leadership? Sigh.
For twenty-one straight days I saw a vehicle run a red light in ABQ. What in the hell is councilman Dan Lewis thinking forcing a public vote on the Red Light Camera program? And why did the mayor allow it to go to public vote? Wisely and dispassionately the mayor had research conducted that showed the validity of the program. He used the findings to correct the shortcomings. It is my opinion we should be talking about expanding this program. Sure, it's an imperfect attempt to treat the symptom instead of the problem (we live in an increasingly crowded car dependent city), but what is Lewis's alternative? When deaths go up, will he be to blame? As you can surmise, I am highly doubtful the public will save this program in an off year election. Update: After being out of town for several weeks I just got back and have a new streak going: two days of witnessing cars run red lights.
Sign and billboard blight soils ABQ vistas. How exactly do area residents benefit from this? If I'm a visitor traveling the I-25 I'm thinking a-b-q is u-g-l-y!
Next Gen Academy at Del Norte High School.
Artists studio on Carlisle near Gibson.
Canopy at home in Spruce Park.
Green roof on Court of Appeals building in UNM North Campus.
Why lead? Governor pushes rollback of energy efficiency standards for new homes and commercial buildings.
Hotel Parq Central rooftop deck looking north.
Looking west.
More west.
The Lofts at ABQ High developer Rob Dickson leads tour.
Inside a unit; original chalkboard on back wall.
Original gym floor; section of original bleachers visible in back.
I attended Mayor Berry's presentation about the The Plan last night at the Albuquerque Art and History Museum. I was more than impressed by his approach (pragmatic, researched, open minded) and vision. I encourage all to catch one of these public events.
Art on the back (south) side of the Sunshine Theater building at Central and Second.
