Alvarado Urban Farm Takes Shape

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

ABQ: the Undewhelming Plan

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

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

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

Reportedly opening Spring 2013.

New Kimo Sign

AIA Home and Commercial Building Tour

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.