District 2 Newsletter

Hello Neighbors,

The next City Council meeting is Monday, June 5 at 5:00 pm in the Vincent Griego Chambers, basement level of City Hall:  Agenda. 

Legislation of Interest

• FY2018 Operating Budget:  The Mayor has vetoed the budget passed by Council at the May 15 meeting.  We are working to find an acceptable compromise.  Many of the achievements in the budget previously passed, such as additional funding for Albuquerque Heading Home, other social projects, and cultural projects are now threatened.  I will do my best to restore that funding.
• Municipal Gasoline Tax Subject to Voter Approval O-17-32: I am expecting a final vote on my proposal to put a 2-cent per gallon gas tax before the voters for approval in the municipal election this October.  The tax would provide funds for roadway rehabilitation, including sidewalks, bicycle facilities, and accessibility for persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  The cost to the average driver would be approximately $27/year.

Upcoming Events

• Civic Plaza Presents:  Events on Civic Plaza this summer and fall
• Rail Yards Market Sundays 10 am – 2 pm thru October
• Downtown Growers’ Market Saturdays 8 am – noon thru November 4 at Robinson Park
• ARTBeat on the Street Events:  Please support our Central Avenue businesses!
• ABQ365 Events:  Year-round events in Albuquerque
• ABQtodo:  More year-round events in Albuquerque

Project Updates

• Project List:  We have updated the project list with new projects and will be working to get pages up for each of them.
• Rio Grande Boulevard Complete Street Concept Plan (south of I-40):  A public meeting for presentation of the final recommendations will be held on Tuesday, June 20 at 6:00 pm, location to be announced.  The final report has been completed and is available online. 
• Rio Grande Boulevard/Rose Avenue Intersection & Bicycle Improvements:  Construction is scheduled to begin next week!
• Alameda Drain & Trail:  Phase I Public Meeting Wednesday, June 14, 2017, 6:00 to 8:00pm
• 14^th & Lomas Bike Blvd Crossing:  I’ve used District 2 set-asides to fund the design of this project, identified in the Downtown Neighborhoods Area Traffic Study.
• Downtown Walkability:  We continue to make progress in implementing the recommendations of this study.  New striping plans for Lead and Coal Avenues between 2^nd and 8^th Streets are currently being designed.  Bike lanes will be placed between a parking lane and the curb. 
• Girard Boulevard Complete Street:  Construction is expected to begin in late June!

Community Announcements/Resources

• IDO Hearings:  The Environmental Planning Commission (EPC) voted 6-1 to recommend approval of the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) and the zoning conversion map to the City Council.  Visit the project website to review staff reports and presentations from EPC hearings, as well as next steps.
• Botanical Mural Project presented by 516 ARTS: Check them out in person!
• Free ABQ Images Library hits 5,000 downloads. This is an online collection of professional photos and videos of the Albuquerque area that can be downloaded and used by anyone for free.  
• Air Quality Awareness:  The Environment Health Department has announced an awareness campaign.  Sign up to get Air Quality alerts.
• ART Construction: Get updates on the construction schedule. 
• Behavioral Health Initiative: Stay updated on the progress of this important initiative and read the ABCGC Behavioral Health Newsletter online.

Sincerely,
Isaac Benton
City Councilor, District 2