Our Spectacular Sandias

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

No Car Nob Hill (This past Sunday anyway)

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

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.