abqdwell

Oklahoma City is OK

2011-12-21T06:44:00.000-08:00

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...

Is Driving in ABQ About to Get More Dangerous?

2011-11-08T05:25:00.001-08:00

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?

* from ABQ Journal 11/8/11: The UNM study, released last fall, said Albuquerque’s red-light cameras improved public safety by reducing the number of crashes with injuries. But it also said the cameras boosted the number of rear-end collisions. Those collisions are less serious, however, so the net effect is an increase in public safety, the study said.

Alvarado Urban Farm Takes Shape

2011-08-14T17:19:00.000-07:00

In lot north of Silver Garden apartments, the Alvarado Urban farm is taking shape.

ABQ: the Undewhelming Plan

2011-08-03T18:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Project two is a sports complex that has the potential to be a money maker if it can attract out of town sports teams. Since it will most likely be built in Mesa Del Sol it's hard to see how this improves the "quality of life" for those not living in MDS or those not parented by a SUV/mini-van soccer mom/dad.

21 Days of Red Light Running and Counting

2011-07-02T16:14:00.001-07:00

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.

Mighty Blighty

2011-06-26T19:36:00.000-07:00

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!

Latest Winrock Town Center Concept Picture

2011-06-13T15:21:00.001-07:00

Reportedly opening Spring 2013.

New Kimo Sign

2011-06-12T21:14:00.001-07:00

AIA Home and Commercial Building Tour

2011-05-22T13:48:00.001-07:00

Images from some of the buildings showcased during the annual American Institute of Architects tour on 5/22.

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.

Martinez Embraces Lowest Common Denominator

2011-05-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

Why lead? Governor pushes rollback of energy efficiency standards for new homes and commercial buildings.

Inspired Design

2011-05-15T15:52:00.001-07:00

Timeless architecture of Chaco Canyon.

Mother's Day Huning Highland Tour Pt. 3

2011-05-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

Hotel Parq Central rooftop deck looking north.

Looking west.

More west.

Mother's Day Huning Highland Tour Pt. 2

2011-05-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

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.

Mother's Day Huning Highland Tour Pt. 1

2011-05-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

Just south of Hotel Parq Central lies the crazy, quirky Albuquerque Press Club.

Fan of "The Plan"

2011-05-06T08:25:00.001-07:00

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.

Pictured: Proposed 50-mile bike loop (blue represents current gaps in system).

From Blight to Right

2011-05-04T14:02:00.001-07:00

Landscaping, and of course Hotel Parq Central, transforms area west of I-25/Central.

GOOD Nob Hill - BAD Nob Hill

2011-04-30T19:20:00.001-07:00

Visually interesting and pedestrian friendly.

Yikes! Whole lot of asphalt, bad signage and crappy food.

Might As Well Jump

2011-04-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Art on the back (south) side of the Sunshine Theater building at Central and Second.

A Peek at Coal Improvements

2011-04-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

Sandia Station Almost Ready to Roll

2011-04-18T09:08:00.001-07:00

New Lighting at Central and 2nd

2011-04-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

Sandia Pueblo Rail Runner Station Takes Shape

2011-03-13T12:46:00.000-07:00

Estimated opening: July

UNM South Campus Placemaking Plan

2010-12-13T19:25:00.000-08:00

This plan for UNM South Campus is impressive. Lets hope it happens.

Bike Bridge Open

2010-08-31T08:40:00.002-07:00

The Gail Ryba Memorial Bridge at I-40 and Rio Grande now open. Bike bridge will connect Bosque Trail with trails west of the river.

Say What?

2010-08-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

Jim Long owner of multiple hotels in the state plus the Albuquerque Plaza building downtown was quoted in the Journal today as calling the proposed downtown arena project an "economic albatross." He went on to say: "The issue is the lack of desirability of Downtown. If you come to stay here, there must be something to do. There must be a vibrant community aspect to Downtown to attract those conventions, and I think people know that intuitively."

Uh, isn't a core reason behind the project to make the area more vibrant so it will be more attractive as a destination for conventions and locals?

Stapleton Denver

2010-07-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a three night stay in the new urban community of Stapleton in northeast Denver. The developer of this project — Forest City Convington — is developing Mesa Del Sol. Stapleton definitely had a walkable, community feel. Lots of varied, interesting architecture. Lots of walkers and bikers. One of the most appealing aspects of the development is the coming light rail station which will connect to downtown Denver. Upon first inspection of Stapleton you can't help but get a Truman Show/contrived feel but I sense that will ease as the community matures. It sure was nice to walk to bagels and coffee in the morning, groceries in the afternoon and drinks and dinner at night.

Sandia Sunrise

2010-06-29T11:32:00.001-07:00

Omaha Gets Value of Downtown Stadiums

2010-06-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

Another example of a mid-size city (Omaha) that gets it. From College World Series is Moving On: "Next year the Series will move three miles north to the $128 million TD Ameritrade Park in downtown Omaha."

Bad News for Downtown Arena Project

2010-06-11T13:06:00.001-07:00

Per New Mexico Business Weekly: APS to buy First Baptist Church, site of proposed downtown events center. The more I travel and see what other cities (San Diego, Denver, Boise) have done and are doing with their downtowns, the more I fear Albuquerque just doesn't get it.

Affordable Downtown Green Living

2010-05-23T15:12:00.001-07:00

Fabulous story about new Silver Garden lofts by a new resident.

China Becoming Worldwide Leader in High Speed Trains

2010-05-12T05:47:00.001-07:00

From the Washington Post: China is pulling ahead in worldwide race for high-speed rail transportation. Meanwhile back in New Mexico some GOP candidates have vowed to mothball the Rail Runner.

Big I Landscaping at Dusk

2010-04-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

This superb photo of the recently completed Big I landscaping comes from Robert Reck, a student at UNM. This image won the merit award in a Photographing the Built Environment course. It along with other tremendous photos are currently on display at George Pearl Hall (the Antoine Predock designed School of Architecture and Design building located across from the Frontier Restaurant). Imagine if such an attractive, billboard-free landscape stretched from the Sunport to Bernalillo.

Rio Rancho Roundabout Revolution

2010-04-09T17:41:00.001-07:00

Rio Rancho is beginning to live up to its "City of Vision" slogan with the introduction of multiple roundabouts. Aesthetically pleasing, accident-reducing roundabouts are being constructed inCity has even posted information on how to navigate a roundabout. Image at right shows potential crash points at traditional light controlled intersection. Image at left shows how roundabouts greatly reduce potential accidents and totally eliminate head on collisions.

What Could Be

2010-04-05T18:43:00.000-07:00

Great Streets Plan aims to make ABQ more livable. Picture is planned improvement of Atrisco Dr./Central Avenue NW. (1) colors, texture and patterns clearly mark pedestrian space (2) trees, lights and transit shelter provide buffer from traffic (3) small reduction in speed and vehicle lane width supports safer walking and cycling (4) bike lane provides designated space for cycling (5) bike box allows cyclist to ride into the intersection and make turn first, while remaining highly visible (6) median offers pedestrian refuge (7) buildings located close to sidewalk encourage pedestrian patronage.

Council takes up this proposal on April 14, 5 p.m., Council Committee Room, 9th floor, Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Government Center. If this idea appeals to you please attend this event and please contact your Council member.

2010 Median Landscaping Projects

2010-03-28T19:27:00.001-07:00

Did a little digging on the city of Albuquerque site and learned the following medians will be landscaped in 2010. I am especially glad to see that University Blvd. in front of the Pit and University Stadium is set to get landscaped medians. The stadiums (including Isotopes Park) are so nice, yet the streetscape is so unpleasant.

Mayor Soliciting Opinion on Events Center Project

2010-03-04T20:38:00.000-08:00

I am feeling more and more confident in my prediction that Mayor Berry is going to get the Events Center done. As I've written before, I firmly believe this is an economic development project that wisely capitalizes on revitalization and transportation investments. He's soliciting public feedback on this project.

Imagine: T-Birds Join Scorpions at Downtown ABQ Arena

2010-03-02T06:54:00.001-08:00

News that the NBA D-level Thunderbirds are moving to Rio Rancho highlights again the negative economic impact of not having a downtown arena. Hockey fans lost the Scorpions who couldn't make it work at Tingley or Rio Rancho. Imagine crowded downtown Albuquerque restaurants and bars on T-Bird and Scorpion game nights. Imagine many fans taking Rail Runner from as far as Belen and Santa Fe. Image if this image of a proposed downtown Albuquerque arena became reality.

New French Bistro on Gold and 3rd

2010-02-26T13:38:00.000-08:00

Cool looking new restaurant coming to Gold and 3rd.

More Red Light Runner Mayhem

2010-02-20T18:33:00.001-08:00

Red light runner causes accident on Paseo Del Norte just east of Wyoming Blvd.

Pocket Park Coming to 207 Gold Avenue

2010-01-30T18:30:00.000-08:00

According to the Downtown Action Team Students from Gordon Bernell Charter School will design urban mini park.

Sandias January 21, 2010

2010-01-22T14:04:00.000-08:00

Downtown Thoughts After a Rail Runner Trip

2010-01-15T18:35:00.000-08:00

Took Rail Runner downtown from Journal Center at 12:48 pm today. It has been awhile since I have left from that station. I was surprised to see not only a full main lot, but a full new lot across the street. It is pretty clear that Rail Runner is catching on. I suspect it will only become more popular once gas prices begin to rise. There is much to like about what is happening downtown (Andaluz, new green housing at home of old Greyhound Station and just to the west, and a vibrant downtown charter high school-Amy Biehl). It is also so painfully obvious that the downtown will never truly flourish until it attracts large amounts of people on a regular basis. A major opportunity to do this was missed when Isotopes Stadium was built on the site of the old Duke's stadium. That's a 25-year mistake in my opinion. I can only hope that if Rail Runner would have been in place the decision to locate downtown would have been without controversy. The latest opportunity to attract large amounts of folks downtown on a regular basis is the proposed events center. For the economic sake of the downtown and the region, lets hope this happens. I was in a peer city (Boise) not too long ago and was impressed with the vibrancy in an around their downtown events center on the evening of a minor league hockey game (packed restaurants, streets, and a well attended hockey game). I believe their NBA D-league team also plays there. We used to have a minor league hockey team and reportedly we have an NBA D-league team. The possibilities are so evident...

Downtown Big Box Stores Doable

2010-01-12T07:16:00.001-08:00

When other cities were erecting warehouse-style retail outlets in the hinterlands, Vancouver built its Costco right downtown -- the first urban Costco in the world, with four 40-story residential towers rising from the top. There's a boutique Home Depot not far away and a Safeway that squats on a second floor, above smaller street-level shops (source: LA Times). Locally we have great example with the REI adjacent to the Santa Fe Depot Rail Runner stop.

Toronto Taxes Billboards to Benefit Public Art

2009-12-28T17:45:00.001-08:00

Wish Albuquerque had the vision and leadership to do what Toronto just got accomplished: taxing billboards to fund public art.

Bowled Over

2009-12-20T16:16:00.001-08:00

Great New Mexico Bowl (35-28 double overtime Wyoming win). Lucky enough to have a field pass which allowed me to get this pic. Wyoming fans turned out in force. Here's hoping ABQ residents do the same in the future. This is great exposure for the city and a nice economic bump.

Rail Runner Service to New Mexico Bowl

2009-12-15T20:50:00.000-08:00

For those heading to the New Mexico Bowl this Saturday (I've been three times and enjoyed each one), Rail Runner will be offering service to the game. Free shuttle will take riders to the game from the Lobo Platform.

Rail Runner's Major Shortcoming

2009-12-07T15:07:00.001-08:00

Last train north from Downtown ABQ departs at 6:33 pm. This severely limits downtown's ability to attract transit-traveling evening visitors (not to mention those working late). What a missed financial opportunity for downtown businesses.

New Nob Hill Street Lights Going Up

2009-11-22T16:23:00.001-08:00

Infrastructure for new traffic light at Wellesley being installed.

The Streetcars Are Coming ...

2009-11-18T16:10:00.000-08:00

... to Washington, D.C.

Rapid Ride on San Mateo?

2009-10-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

A post on the Albuquerque City-Data Forum indicates a San Mateo Rapid Ride route may be in the works.

Convention Hotel + Events Center = Economic Development Project

2009-10-08T18:57:00.000-07:00

Steve Wedeen, principle at Vaughn Wedeen Kuhn, makes a strong case in the Journal today that the proposed Convention Hotel and Events Center offers enormous economic benefits for the city and region:

"... our convention industry is in a tailspin and falling fast because we cannot accommodate the really lucrative events that other cities are attracting. And I'm not just talking about Las Vegas, Nev., or Los Angeles or Phoenix. I'm talking about places like Oklahoma City and Indianapolis and Austin. These are all cities that have invested in similar projects to the one being proposed for Albuquerque. And they are reaping the rewards, while we are being methodically put out of business...

"... Think about your professional, trade, charity or hobby organizations. They all have conventions, meetings, conferences and expos. If you're a doctor, where does the AMA meet? If you're a carpenter, where is your annual national union meeting? The answer, unfortunately is simple. Not here. But why? We have a beautiful city and state. Gorgeous weather. Lots to do. Santa Fe, one of the top five destinations in the country is only a train ride up the hill.

... this project isn't just about basketball or arena football, concerts or religious gatherings. It's not just about attracting the rodeo or a monster truck event. It's about our economy. It's about jobs. Thousands of them. It's about spending a dime to get a dollar back. The proposed $400 million probably will require about $15 million a year, with five, maybe 10 times that coming back into our economy. And now, with construction costs significantly lower, possible federal stimulus programs, not to mention contributions that may be made by the county, region or state, the cost could be much lower than originally estimated."

Berry Good News or Berry Bad?

2009-10-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

What does his election mean for those concerned with positioning Albuquerque as a forward thinking city in terms of urban revitalization, transit and sustainability?

Andaluz Opens

2009-10-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

Former Conrad Hilton property at 125 Second Street in downtown opened Thursday as LEED-certified boutique hotel. Andaluz sports 107 rooms, 73 solar panels and rooftop bar with fireplace.

Sunport Going Solar

2009-10-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

The Journal is reporting that the city's largest grid-tied photovolatic solar array system — 480-panels — has been installed at the Sunport.

Bike Valet Service at Balloon Fiesta

2009-09-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

From the Balloon Fiesta site: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has teamed up with Two Wheel Drive to create the first Bike Valet service for Balloon Fiesta!

Sandia Pueblo Rail Runner Station Breaks Ground

2009-09-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

The Sandia Pueblo Rail Runner station broke ground Thursday, September 24. No word on completion date.

Rail Runner Promoting Lobo Stop

2009-09-21T09:06:00.001-07:00

While it doesn't quite look like this yet, it's good to see Rail Runner's website promoting this latest stop.

Seeking a Coffeehouse in the Sandia Heights/Tram area of far northeast Albuquerque

2009-09-16T19:47:00.001-07:00

Wanted: Coffee house in Sandia Heights area of North Albuquerque acres. Learn more.

Riding Rail Runner to Lobo Game

2009-09-13T19:44:00.001-07:00

Boarding.

Shuttling.

Driving.

Arriving.

Fast. Easy. Cool.

One Wish Down - Lights Coming to Nob Hill

2009-09-10T15:50:00.000-07:00

Two much-needed street lights coming to Nob Hill "on or before November 15, 2009." Signals will placed at: Central & Wellesley and Central & Morningside

Lobo Stop Being Readied for Opener

2009-09-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

The Lobo Stop at Avenida César Chávez being readied for the football home opener this Saturday. Learn more.

City Councilor Rey Garduño's Nob Hill Traffic Signal Initiative

2009-08-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

Great post by Johnny Mango today about efforts to finally address the traffic signal issue in Nob Hill.

Director of Albuquerque's Municipal Development Dept., Michael Riordan, seems unconvinced about the need. Here's what we need to do: Tell that we have free beer and food for him and to meet at Kelly's to claim his goods. When he arrives, give him the food (extra salty) but tell him the beer is across the street.

Mango recommends supporters do the following:

So something that has worried the Nob Hill neighborhood for years may be coming to a head on September 9th. The NHNA is looking to have 4 or 5 speakers in favor of the resolution. If you want to lend your support, consider doing the following:
• Email your Councilor.
• Comment on this post telling about your own experiences trying to cross the street, and give your own ideas.
• Show up at the City Council meeting.

UNM Confirms Rail Runner Service to Games

2009-08-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

In announcing a new parking policy for upcoming football games, UNM has confirmed that there will be Rail Runner service to games in an announcement on Golobos.com:

The New Mexico Rail Runner will have special game day options and ABQ Ride's "Park `N Howl" will continue to provide shuttle service from Lot T at the southwest corner of Lomas and University.

Rail Runner "Lobo Stop" Coming September 12

2009-07-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

The Albuquerque Journal is reporting that fans will be able to take Rail Runner to Lobo sporting events beginning with the football home opener on September 12. Dubbed "The Lobo Stop," a simple platform will be constructed near Avenida César Chávez with shuttle service to events. Lets hope the service will also be available for Isotopes games, and lets hope the stadium area adds some restaurants and bars.

Mayoral Race: Where's the Vision?

2009-07-13T16:18:00.000-07:00

They say you get the government you deserve. Has ABQ been bad? Speaking personally, I have heard nothing inspiring from the three mayoral candidates. Where's the vision for the city? What will ABQ look like in 5, 10, 15 years? Where's the vision for re-making downtown so ABQ can truly compete? Andaluz and Winrock developer Gary Goodman is correct to point out that the state of ABQ's downtown puts the area at a distinct disadvantage. Re-locating employers and the Creative Class want much more than the city currently offers. How will the candidates address this critical economic issue? The current mayor talks the talk (green city, green jobs, streetcar, downtown arena) but where are the accomplishments? The Big I landscaping is nice but where's the arena, the streecar, the sign reduction ordinance, etc., etc., etc.? Is he too divisive to accomplish grand projects? Do we have a leadership vacuum?

NM + Colorado + Texas = High-Speed Rail?

2009-07-10T06:43:00.001-07:00

New Mexico Business Weekly is reporting that New Mexico is partnering with Colorado and Texas to develop a high-speed rail corridor between El Paso and Denver. Congress has authorized 11 such corridors across the U.S.

Red Light Mayhem One Car Ahead

2009-06-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

Paseo Del Norte and Wyoming, Wednesday, June 23, 1:29 pm. Silver car ran red light going at least 40 mph. I was literally the car behind the one (red Mustang) that got hit. Sorry, but we need more red light cameras. Lets put 'em at every major intersection and use the revenue to fund the streetcar/light rail and the downtown arena project.

One Ten Richmond Update

2009-06-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

New Nob Hill condo development One Ten Richmond between Central Avenue and Silver Avenue Bike Boulevard is wrapping up.

Nob Hill Getting More Pedestrian Friendly

2009-06-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

Just noticed a plethora of new bulb-outs in Nob Hill on Richmond between Silver Avenue Bike Boulevard and Monte Vista.

Looking east from corner of Central and Richmond.

Looking west from corner of Central and Richmond.

Looking northeast toward Imbibe from corner of Central and Richmond.

Looking south from Imbibe.

Looking north from Silver Avenue Bike Boulevard and Richmond.

These last pix near Wellesley and Central Avenue show what a difference these design features make in terms of pedestrian safety and aesthetics.

Now, can we finally get a stop light between Carlisle and Richmond?

Which Way ABQ: Portland or Denver?

2009-05-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to UrbanABQ for sharing this link to a PBS video "Road to the Future." Story details how federal government has subsidized sprawl by providing 90 percent of highway/freeway funding. Documentary highlights how two cities — Denver and Portland — took very different paths to transportation planning in the 1970s which has led to very different results.

Highlights

Portland
• Streetcar has inspired well over 3 billion dollars in development
• Not only does streetcar deliver customers to businesses, but Portland now manufactures streetcars and reaps billions of dollars in revenue (note: Portland company is one of two Tucson is considering for their streetcars)
• Portland mayor puts their approach in capitalistic terms: We can make developers more money because we provide complete neighborhoods as opposed to communities beset by strip malls, sprawl and the assumption of cheap energy
• Urban growth boundary has created tension with rural residents who want the ability to sell small lots for sub-divisions

Denver
• See Rio Rancho (just kidding, but not completely)
• Story centers on efforts to build and complete beltway which has led to rampant sprawl

Transportation Solution for ABQ/RR?

2009-05-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

ABQ Journal reports (May 28, 2009) that the Mid-Region Council of Governments is studying use of so-called "light-rail on rubber" bus system for certain clogged areas of metro area.

Rail Runner Connection to Taos

2009-05-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

From: New Mexico Business Weekly:

Taos is launching a new nonstop shuttle service that will link it with the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.

The Taos Express starts June 4 and will run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays on a schedule that coincides with several Rail Runner arrival and departure times in Santa Fe. It will cost $10 per round-trip for adults. Children 10 and under will ride free.

Parq Central to Break Ground May 27

2009-05-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

From: New Mexico Business Weekly

Developer David Oberstein will host a ground breaking for his Parq Central Hotel on May 27. At the event, Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez and City Councilor Isaac Benton will address around 400 invited guests. Tours of the ground floor in the 1926 former hospital will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The former Memorial Hospital, at 806 Central Ave. SW in the historic Huning Highland neighborhood, is being converted into a 75-room boutique hotel. The project required an industrial revenue bond from the city and historic tax credits from the state.

Wanted: More of this kind of vision

2009-05-09T13:47:00.001-07:00

Nice pix by Ernie Montoya of Rail Runner skirting the I-25. Lets now picture (and build) a downtown Arena area that will be a bustling entertainment zone and economic engine.

Group: Put Arena on Ballot

2009-05-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

By Dan McKay
Copyright © 2009 Albuquerque Journal 5/3/2009
Journal Staff Writer

(Excerpts) A group pushing for a $400 million Downtown event center and hotel wants the city to get off the dime and put a tax proposal to fund the project on the ballot sooner rather than later.
It appears they have an uphill fight.

Undeterred, Steve Wedeen is leading a group of marketing, advertising and other professionals pushing for a project they say would boost tourism and lure business to the Convention Center.
"The impact is phenomenal," Wedeen said in a recent interview. "This is really an economic-stimulus package that invests in a smart, sound industry."

The city, the development team and others launched a viability assessment that was largely favorable. However, much of the evaluation came before or as the national economy was tightening last year

That hasn't deterred supporters, who say the lean market has driven down the cost of materials and labor. They argue the city might be able to build the project at a discount and be positioned to draw convention business and other activity as the economy rebounds.

Read story

My take: After riding a packed Rail Runner yesterday (Saturday) to an equally packed and vibrant Santa Fe Depot/Railyards (farmer's market, REI, new Flying Star, art galleries, superb kid friendly park), Albuquerque needs this forward thinking project to create an equally inviting, vibrant space (and economic engine). Like the Santa Fe Railyard project, this is an investment in the future. Until this happens, I fear the crowded trains (along with tourist/entertainment dollars) will mostly be running north. I'd much prefer to see crowded trains running both directions, especially on the weekends.

Washington Post: Cameras Reduce Speeding

2009-04-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

From the Washington Post

Rockville, Md.: Just based on past performances, I would bet you do not like speed cameras. If so, is it a privacy issue? Is the road a private place?

The Beetles thought so. "Why Don't We Do It in the Road."

Marc Fisher: I can see from past performance, as you put it, why you might think I'd oppose speed cams. My libertarian streak could lead me there. But that's overwhelmed by my desire to get cops out fighting crime rather than doing simple gotcha work that a machine can handle. So I actually love speed cams, especially as I see more and more studies showing that average driving speeds on roads equipped with the cams really do come down quite impressively.

Washington, D.C.: I was surprised to learn that Chevy Chase, Maryland was making so much money off their speed cameras on Connecticut Ave. First that strip was always a speed trap. Now that most people know of the cameras, the speed on that portion of Connecticut has dropped to about 5 mph below the speed limit. The District has a car with a camera on Military Rd. just west of the park that has worked in slowing traffic down in the mornings as well.

Marc Fisher: I am amazed on a regular basis by the number of drivers I see speeding through that trap at 20 or more mph over the limit even though they see the bulk of their fellow motorists slowing to an unnatural crawl all the way through the village. Many of these fools actually weave through the various lanes of relatively law-abiding folks to get their moment in the flash of the speed cam.

Streetcar Would Return $4-$8 for Every $1 Invested

2009-04-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

By J.W. Madison
Founder, Rails Inc.

We Albuquerqueños have finally arrived at a point in our history at which we realize that we need more and better transit. This is the good news.
The bad news is that, unlike cities all over the West, we're still fooling around with partial and obsolete solutions to this problem. We're still caught in the bus trap.

If car-crazy towns like Calgary, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Phoenix and Salt Lake City can break out of this trap, why can't we?

We need streets. We need cars and trucks for police, fire, emergency, construction, repair and delivery purposes. We need expanded facilities for bicycles, wheelchairs and feet. And we certainly need buses, big and small. But all these by themselves amount to branches without a trunk.

For the massive daily work of moving commuters, students, event-goers and tourists, and of facilitating people-powered transportation, nothing does it like a train. Here are some of the reasons:

• Fuel/energy economy that's two to three times that of bus-based transit. This picture gets even prettier when you realize that roads, unlike rails, are themselves made largely out of petroleum products.

• Long life and low upkeep. A modern rail vehicle lasts at least twice as long as a bus, and similar durability applies to rails vs. roads.

• Safety, convenience and reliability in all kinds of weather. And, though rail systems are not immune to disastrous weather episodes, they "weather" them more easily, and can be returned to service faster and cheaper when they do break down.

• Wise use of resources. A rail system moves from three to four times the people (or tons of freight) as does a road system using up the same amount of steel, concrete or real estate.

• Renewal of city centers and first-ring suburbs. Rail promotes more choices in residential and commercial infrastructure. In other words, rail fights sprawl. This may not be good news to everyone, but it is to an ever-increasing number of us.

• No tire disposal problem. Toxic and flammable tire mountains are becoming a serious problem worldwide, and they're not that easy or safe to recycle.

• People really like riding trains. There a problem with that? People by the thousands will ride a train who won't ride a bus; although oddly enough, implementation of rail transit leads to increased use of non-rail transit, if the system is configured properly. And any good transit system promotes walking and biking as well.

So what progress are we making toward city rail for Albuquerque?

After the modern streetcar initiative failed in 2006, the 21st Century Transportation Task Force, chaired by Isaac Benton, was convened to study local transportation and related tax policy and to make recommendations. I was a member.

After eight months of twice-monthly meetings, a large majority of us recommended increases in funding for transit, biking and walking improvements; including an improved modern streetcar proposal. "Streetcar II" would cover a long-enough distance (Central from Atrisco to San Mateo) to be the start of a citywide rail transit network.

Our findings were sensible and modest — hardly an incitment to riot — yet there they lie, stuck in Albuquerque's nearsighted and contentious politics. Abundant proof exists that tax money invested in rail transit multiplies four-to eightfold in various benefits to the public. Rail doesn't cost, it pays. Not for years, but for generations.

Given this high return on public investment, it's a wonder indeed that these cost-effective taxpayer's delights are still widely regarded as a waste of money. Epithets like these are misleading red herrings; the equivalent of "Commie" and "Pinko" in transportation discourse.

If anything is more truly conservative than a return to the public of $4 to $8 dollars for every tax dollar spent, I for one have no idea what it is.

Add to this the benefits, financial and otherwise, of a cleaner environment, greater energy self-sufficiency, better health and more money in your pocket and you have to wonder just who around here is responsible for our backwater status in transportation.

One of the biggest jobs of our political leaders is to invest our tax money in what promises the greatest return, financially and otherwise. Modern rail is a proven winner in both areas.

Killed by Red Light Runner

2009-04-09T16:40:00.001-07:00

From the Los Angeles Times:

By Mike DiGiovanna and Bill Shaikin
3:07 PM PDT, April 9, 2009

Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart and two friends were killed today when a minivan driven by an alleged drunk driver broadsided their car after running a red light, authorities said.

The crash occurred hours after the 22-year-old appeared in Wednesday night's Angels game. He died shortly after midnight when the minivan slammed into the car in which he was riding at the intersection of Orangethorpe Avenue and Lemon Street in Fullerton, police said.

Killed by Red Light Runner

2009-03-31T06:30:00.001-07:00

From Los Angeles Times (3/31/09): The death of a USC student and the critical injury of another in a violent hit-and-run accident left the urban campus reeling Monday... Police say the driver had run a red light before the accident.

LA Proposes Ban on Billboards, Supergraphics

2009-03-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

From the LA Times: The Los Angeles Planning Commission voted Thursday to recommend dramatically reworked restrictions on signs that would ban digital billboards and supergraphics -- the vinyl signs stretched across the sides of buildings -- throughout most of the city.

Sadly, Albuquerque has often followed LA's sprawly, car-centric development model. Here's one LA innovation we SHOULD follow.

Question: We know the hideous collection of billboards on the I-25 soil our spectacular mountain and desert vistas. What does the city get in return for such blight?

UNM Stadium Area Master Plan

2009-02-26T19:03:00.000-08:00

UNM has released information on a Master Plan for the stadium area. An interactive page has been created that allows visitors to click on completed projects (such as the indoor football practice facility and impressive accompanying landscaping) and planned upgrades (such at the Pit). Probably most welcome is the comprehensive landscaping plan featuring numerous trees that is sorely needed. Cannot tell if restaurants are included but they would be a welcome addition to the game day experience; as will be the planned Rail Runner stop on Cesar Chavez. Speaking of, a Rail Runner official told me in December there was a good chance the station would be available for football games. I'm a bit skeptical of that target date as I have yet to see activity on the station.

Red Light Runner at Carlisle and Montgomery

2009-01-31T04:46:00.000-08:00

Red light cameras are an imperfect reaction to a larger problem: our car dependent culture. Whether its Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, or Houston — all cities I have visited recently — this country has major driving issues. I do support the red light cameras (and think there should be more of them), but wish the money was directed at improving driving in this city through more roundabouts and other traffic calming solutions. In the book Traffic: How We Drive and What It Says About Us, author Tom Vanderbilt writes that the second most dangerous thing a driver can do is drive through an intersection. The single most dangerous thing a driver can do is to make a left turn at an intersection (as illustrated in this video). Roundabouts, while not practical at all intersections, greatly reduce the danger of the second concern, and all but eliminate the danger of the first concern.

Flip a Strip - Contest Reimagines Strip Malls

2009-01-25T18:26:00.000-08:00

Goal of this design contest is to "highlight useful and innovative concepts for the sustainable re-use of Strip Malls and to launch productive public dialog about the potential of good design and civic engagement."

White Mesa Mountain Biking

2009-01-13T18:05:00.000-08:00

30 minutes from ABQ but pretty out of this world.

All the Way to Santa Fe

2008-12-18T13:34:00.000-08:00

My son and I just got back from our first Rail Runner trip to Santa Fe. Despite the gloomy, rainy weather the journey was fabulous. Met lots of interesting people both on the train and in Santa Fe who are so enthusiastic about what the RR means for this area. Lots of talk about how cool it would be to take RR to a downtown arena in ABQ.

For those who haven't been to the Santa Fe Rail Yards, I can only say that it is impressive (shops, restaurants, galleries, farmers market and an amazing park) and really offers ABQ a vision (challenge?) of what can be achieved around the ATC.

REI at the Rail Yards

Packed Parking Lot at Bernalillo

Got a little info on upcoming stations. A stop near Ceser Chavez that would serve Lobo and Isotopes games has been approved and has funding. There's a strong possibility this will be available for football games in the fall. Work is progressing on getting the Sandia Station started. Nothing iminent but it is in the works. Hopefully the opening of the Isleta Station will spur the stake holders to get this going.

Stimulus Package to Include ABQ Streetcar?

2008-12-10T19:31:00.000-08:00

At the U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting this week Mayor Chávez made a pitch for a Main Street Stimulus Package that would locally include two large scale solar projects, a wind farm and construction of the oft-discussed street car along Central Avenue.

From Grate to ...

2008-11-25T13:03:00.000-08:00

GREAT!

Learn how to make Albuquerque streets great.

New Stadium Name: The Rock

2008-11-20T15:40:00.000-08:00

Three-quarter serious idea: Rename University Stadium The Rock. Goes with The Pit. Sounds a hell of a lot cooler than playing at University Stadium. This could even be a salute to Rocky Long for his time as a player and coach. If you did a cool rock/boulder structure out front, it could become iconic (plus it would tie into the Sandias). I can see it now... “Welcome to The Rock for New Mexico Bowl 7 between UNM and Texas.” Maybe, rename a seating section near the field The Rockpile or something like that. You’d have three cool stadiums names: The Lab, The Pit and The Rock.

Full serious idea: Completely renovate the area around the stadiums (landscaping, restaurant and bar with patio seating, hotel, Rail Runner Shuttle, pedestrian improvements) to make it an area where people want to spend time at instead of driving up, parking on decaying asphalt and then getting the hell out.

Houston?

2008-11-15T07:08:00.001-08:00

For sure Houston is, to borrow from the title of Thomas Friedman's new book, "Hot, Flat and Crowded (at least on the highway)," but a recent visit revealed a concerted effort by the city to make Houston more attractive and more pedestrian friendly. Two(!) downtown stadiums clustered near the Convention Center, serviced by light rail (slight walk required), represent a model we can only hope ABQ is able to successfully emulate, albeit on a smaller scale. While we blew it with the location of Isotopes Park (my opinion), lets hope we are able to get the vibrant downtown arena area great cities need.

The Pit's New Look

2008-11-07T06:27:00.000-08:00

UNM just released drawings for the Pit's $60 million makeover which could begin in January 2009 and is estimated to take two years to complete.

Rail Runner to Santa Fe Images

2008-11-05T19:49:00.000-08:00

Service won't begin to Santa Fe for another month (late December) but here are some images from the route (both real and rendered).

South of La Bajada Hill.

599 Station.

New Renderings + Favorable Report for Events Center

2008-10-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

ABQ Journal reports today (October 29) that initial consultant report on the proposed downtown events center is favorable: "Albuquerque's young, growing population looks strong enough to support a Downtown event center." Top image is overall design; middle image is of retail; third image is of hotel. For more info see: ABQ Future

New Plan to Market Gold Avenue to Retailers

2008-09-16T19:09:00.001-07:00

From the September 12th edition of the New Mexico Business Weekly:

Frustrated by the empty storefronts at 100 Gold Ave. SW, retail tenants in the historic Downtown district are taking marketing matters into their own hands. They have come up with a new leasing campaign called “Slivers of Gold” to entice successful retailers throughout the Duke City to open more stores along Gold Avenue.

Mayor Martin Chávez will host an invitation-only Sept. 30 Slivers of Gold gala that will invite established retailers to see the vacant 14,000 square feet at 100 Gold as well as the entire Gold Avenue shopping district.

Traffic Circle Success

2008-09-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

Bruce Andriatch of the Buffalo News on that areas new traffic circles...

A funny thing happened to traffic on Harlem Road in Cheektowaga the other day: It kept moving.

Cars, motorcycles, trucks and buses approached the intersection with Cleveland Drive from the north and the south — even as vehicles were coming from Cleveland in two directions toward Harlem at the exact same time — and the wheels never stopped turning. They slowed down, but they never stopped. It was mesmerizing...

In his just-published book, “Traffic,” Tom Vanderbilt notes that the traditional intersection is where fully half of all road crashes occur, partly because there are 56 potential points of conflict where your car can hit another car or a pedestrian. In a roundabout, the conflict number falls to 16. One study he cites found that at 24 intersections that had been converted from signs and lights into roundabouts, the number of crashes fell by 40 percent and fatal crashes by 90 percent.

Our Spectacular Sandias

2008-08-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday, August 9th. Gee, no billboards to block the view. How nice.

No Car Nob Hill (This past Sunday anyway)

2008-08-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

Nob Hill from Richmond to Carlisle was closed to traffic this past Sunday (8/3) from 1 pm - 7 pm. I'm all for anything that makes walking safer but this event seemed less than well thought out. A merchant remarked that he only heard about it that morning. For these events to work there needs to be things happening in the street — there were a couple of bands, but there also needs to be art, vendors, food etc.). Possibly because of the heat (99 degrees) the streets were rather empty. I salute the organizers for the effort but it seems for this to work it needs to be more of an event. Ultimately the answer for Nob Hill, I believe, is at least one more light between Richmond and Carlisle (this seems so obvious) and more bulb outs.

Imbibe: Great Vibe on Central

2008-07-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

Excellent new bar on Central and Richmond in Nob Hill. Superb roof top patio.

Consultant Recommends Downtown to San Mateo Streetcar

2008-07-09T07:04:00.000-07:00

Dan McKay of the

Wanted: More Lots with Shade

2008-07-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

Bad pun coming but how cool would it be if more ABQ parking lots had shade and pedestrian friendly walking space like this Flying Star on Juan Tabo.

Red light runner? I wouldn't doubt it.

2008-06-23T22:06:00.000-07:00