Imbibe: Great Vibe on Central

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

Consultant Recommends Downtown to San Mateo Streetcar

Dan McKay of the Albuquerque Journal reports that consultants are recommending a streetcar line between Downtown and San Mateo. He writes that "Albuquerque should focus on building a modern streetcar system along Central Avenue between Downtown and San Mateo if it decides to proceed with the project, according to a consultant’s report.
That stretch of the city is the best bet for a successful start to the system, the presentation from Leland Consulting Group said. Demographics and market forces in the area would support the project, the group said."

Wanted: More Lots with Shade

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.

Get 'er Done

The City Council has agreed to study the viability of a massive downtown arena/hotel/entertainment project near Broadway and Central. Here's why I think this location and this project make sense:

(1) Ancillary Benefits — not only would this project benefit downtown redevelopment which appears to be at a tipping point, but equally important it will help capture millions of lost convention/tourism dollars as described in a recent New Mexico Business Weekly piece "Report says tourism is at a crossroad" (May 30 - June 5, 2008). According to the story, ABQ convention business has been dropping steadily since 1994 in part because the city doesn't have the necessary convention or hotel space. 

(2) Transportation — If we've learned anything from $4 a gallon gas, it's that we need transportation options. A Broadway and Central location allows attendees of arena events to travel by car, Rapid Ride, and most importantly, Rail Runner. It's pretty cool to think that because of Rail Runner, events at this location would be able to tap the Belen and Santa Fe markets from day one. 

A Breath of Fresh Media Air

I find the ABQ Journal maddening from it's unsightly web page, which seems to mirror the sign strewn I-25 to its failure to cover meaningful topics in depth, so it is was with great pleasure that I recently discovered The New Mexico Independent. Affiliated with the Center for Independent Media, this new web-based venture presents topics of importance and depth — politics, environment, growth, poverty, and education, to name only a few — in a balanced, interesting way.

Trader Joe's Downtown?

Brendisimo has the coolest blog on Duke City Fix. His "Possibilities" feature — which these images come from — articulates well what this city could become.