District 5 Updates

Recently Celebrated Projects

The ribbon cutting for Phase I of the Unser Boulevard Extension, from Boca Negra to Paradise Boulevard, occurred on March 20th, 2012. The improvements include: a traffic signal at the intersection of Rainbow Boulevard and Unser Boulevard; a traffic signal where Rainbow Boulevard intersects with Universe Boulevard; a full, two lane extension from Boca Negra to Paradise Boulevard; realignment of Rainbow Boulevard and Universe Boulevard to eliminate the S-curve; and construction of a bridge for Unser with approximately 900 feet of mainline storm drainage pipe; a traffic signal at Paseo del Norte and Unser Boulevard and improvements to the already constructed portion of Unser (formally known as Lyons) just south of Paradise Boulevard. This extension is a vital connection and will improve public safety and reduce congestion points throughout the West side.

Councilor Lewis was pleased to announce the completion of the improvements to the NW Education Corridor just in time for the start of the 2011 school year. These improvements include median fencing along Rainbow Boulevard between Volcano Vista High School and Tony Hillerman Middle School to prevent jay walking; extended turn bays into the school to eliminate traffic going out into the through lanes; and enhanced street lighting on Rainbow Boulevard. Councilor Lewis worked to lead the collaborative effort between Albuquerque Public Schools, the City's Department of Municipal Development, and the Albuquerque Police Department to improve the safety and traffic flow for children and drivers alike.

After many years of waiting, Councilor Lewis was eager to provide the funding for a Traffic Signal at Paseo del Norte and Rainbow Boulevard. The signal was installed at the end of the Summer of 2011. This is a permanent signal which provides pedestrian "walk" and "do not walk" signs thereby increasing pedestrian safety. There is also an additional turn lane for east bound vehicles on Paseo del Norte turning south on Rainbow Boulevard.

Re-creation of the artwork on Montano Bridge was completed in the Summer of 2011. This project was paid for out of the 1% For the Arts fund and is an importance piece of Albuquerque's Public Art Program.

The APD 6th Area Command building for the Police Department in District 5 is now complete. It was dedicated on May 17th, 2011 in honor of Michael R. King and Richard W. Smith, Jr. who lost their lives in the line of duty on August 18, 2005. This building is on track to be LEED certified and won the American Institute of Architect’s award. Conference rooms are available for any neighborhood meeting. Please call the substation, 768-4850, if you would like to reserve a conference room.

Councilor Lewis, per the request of the Santa Fe Village Neighborhood Association and surrounding residents, provided funding for lights at the Santa Fe Village Dog Park off of Unser Boulevard. These lights were recently installed by PNM at the beginning of March 2011 and have been a great benefit to the community.

In January of 2011, the Department of Municipal Development completed the widening of McMahon Boulevard west of Unser Boulevard to four lanes. Street lights were also added along the corridor to increase safety and visibility.

Councilor Lewis and Councilor Sanchez hosted a joint celebration of Unser Boulevard on November 16th, 2010. The ribbon cutting at Unser and Senator Dennis Chavez was followed by a groundbreaking celebration of Unser Boulevard in the Northwest.

Ventana Ranch Park Phase I and II are complete with grass fields, basketball courts and a playground. The additional grass space will provide more opportunities for children to get involved in sport leagues as the number of neighborhood parks is not sufficient to meet the needs of the District at this time.

The McMahon-Universe Connection was completed in the end of August 2010 with the official ribbon cutting celebration on September 7th, 2010. This connection has relieved much of the traffic that cut through surrounding neighborhoods and has helped with congestion around CNM.

Current Projects

Ladera Golf Course: Councilor Lewis, Councilor Sanchez and Councilor O'Malley worked together to find funding that will improve the 31-year old irrigation system at Ladera Golf Course. The project will save millions of gallons of water by eliminating leaks and boosting Ladera's irrigation efficiency from around 50 percent to between 70 and 75 percent. Construction is expected to take about six months with closure of one nine at a time.

Unser Boulevard from Bandelier Drive to McMahon Boulevard: Councilor Lewis has secured Federal funding and and local funds for the design and construction of the widening of Unser Boulevard between Bandelier Drive and McMahon Boulevard. At this location, Unser Boulevard narrows down to three lanes which has caused great concern for residents for many years. The improvements include widening the roadway to a four lane section, adding bicycle lanes, curb and gutter, sidewalks, a multipurpose trail, median landscaping and improvements to the Unser Boulevard and Bandelier Drive intersection. Construction should begin fall of 2012 and be complete in the spring of 2013. Please contact Kristopher Cadena with any questions.

Paradise Hills Little League Improvements: Councilor Lewis has led the effort to work collaboratively with the County to add two additional fields and make improvements to the Paradise Hills Little League fields. Funding has been identified and we are now in the design phase of this project. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2012. Please contact David Flores with any questions.

Deceleration Lane on McMahon Boulevard: per the request of multiple neighborhood associations and residents of District 5, Councilor Lewis asked the Department of Municipal Development to conduct a warrant analysis for a deceleration lane on McMahon Boulevard and Stonebridge Drive. The deceleration lane is warranted and is currently in the design process. Funding for this public safety improvement has been provided by Councilor Lewis. Construction should begin by May 2012 and be complete by fall 2012.

Unser Boulevard North of McMahon to the County line: Unser Boulevard will be widened to four lanes between McMahon Boulevard and Black Arroyo Boulevard. The traffic signal at Summer Ridge Road and Unser Boulevard does not yet meet warrants, but the underground system for the traffic signal will be installed during construction so that the signal can be installed as soon as it is warranted. Construction will begin in May 2012 and be complete by fall 2012. Please contact Michael Riordan with any questions.

Unser Boulevard Connection: Phase II, from Paseo del Norte to Paradise Boulevard is currently under construction. These improvements will include a traffic signal at Paseo del Norte and Unser Boulevard and improvements to the already constructed portion of Unser (formally known as Lyons) just south of Paradise Boulevard. The entire stretch of Unser Boulevard, from north to south, should be complete and open by the spring of 2012. Once this extension is complete, it will be vital to improving public safety and reducing congestion points throughout the West side.  Contact Michael Riordan with any questions.

Ventana Ranch Park: Phase one and two are complete! The next phase of the park, including another grass field, tennis courts, racquetball courts, sand volleyball and recreation center, will require further analysis from the state engineer which we expect to take a year or two to complete - even though you won't see any construction vehicles out there for a while we are still actively working on completing this park for our communities.  Please contact David Flores with any questions.

Library: Councilor Lewis is working to construct a new library in District 5. We are in the preliminary planning stages. Please contact Dean Smith with any questions or suggestions.

Multi-Generational Center: Councilor Lewis has begun the long-term planning process for a Multi-Generational Center in the Northwest Mesa. This center would serve senior citizens during the day and have activities for the youth in the evening. As it is used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week it is a very responsible use of tax-payer dollars and will make a huge improvement in the quality of life for all District 5 residents. Please contact the Director of the Senior Affairs Department, Jorja Armijo-Brasher with any questions or suggestions.