District 2 Newsletter
Hello Neighbors,
Don’t forget to vote in the municipal run-off election! Early voting through November 10, election day Tuesday, November 14. Find voting locations online!
Legislation of Interest
- Integrated Development Ordinance - IDO: The next hearing will be Monday, November 6. You can review the IDO draft as well as the approved LUPZ committee amendments online. Written comments are still be taken and considered for amendments to the IDO.
Send written comments to Crystal Ortega, Council Clerk:
By email: [email protected]
By mail: P.O. Box 1293, Albuquerque NM 87103
The legislative process always includes amendments, and anything of this magnitude will have many. Indeed, the IDO and zoning in general are complicated, but the existing system is even more complicated and problematic. Importantly, and unlike the current outdated zoning system, the IDO (as does our Comprehensive Plan) will have strong provisions for ongoing public discussion and improvement processes.
As co-sponsor, I strongly believe that we need to move forward on this legislation rather than adding to the already heavy load of issues that the new mayor will take on. As Councilor Diane Gibson stated recently, “I think if we wait until it’s perfect, we’ll be waiting a long time.”
Upcoming Events
- Pop-Up Playground 2017: November 11 | 10 am – 2 pm
- Downtown Growers’ Market: Final day this season! Saturday 8 am – noon
- Central Good to Great: University Area Draft Recommendations Ready for Review.
Community Discussion Thursday, November 9, 6-8PM Heights Community Center
Over the summer, the comments received during the weeklong series of “Central Good to Great” workshops have been compiled into a draft document ready for review & comment now.
Join us for a community consultation with a diverse group of people to discuss the draft, what’s most important to you, what’s missing and how together we can make this emerging plan reflect community priorities you help set and where it can go from here to guide City investments and decision making to make this part of the city even greater!
- ARTBeat on the Street Events: Please support our Central Avenue businesses!
Projects
- Apply Now – NeighborWoods Project in D2! Our Albuquerque neighborhood forests make Albuquerque more resilient, livable, and beautiful. The project includes assistance with selecting, planting, and maintaining up to 100 street trees along street fronts their neighborhood. Read more and apply online – the deadline is Friday, November 17.
- 12th & Sawmill: Construction is scheduled to be complete November 6
- 14th & Lomas Bike Blvd Crossing: This project is currently being engineered.
- Santa Barbara Martineztown Pedestrian Improvements: The report will be presented at the SBMTNA meeting on Thursday, November 16. Installation of lighting at the Edith underpass is scheduled to begin November 16.
- Rio Grande Boulevard Complete Street Test Project: The final report of the monitoring study for the test project is complete (click here to read). As the study concluded that traffic speeds were reduced without significant impact on traffic operations, the consultant will complete plans for a permanent configuration of three lanes. Some “tweaks” to the existing configuration will be made based on observations and comments from the public, the City’s traffic engineers and the consultant. We are working to coordinate resurfacing of the street, which was previously postponed, with installation of the permanent striping plan.
Community Announcements/Resources
- BeWellNM health insurance open enrollment thru December 15!
- Downtown Arts & Cultural District Interactive Map: Explore galleries, coffee shops, museums, theaters, restaurants, and more.
- Landmarks & Urban Conservation Commission: Apply to serve!
- ART Construction: Get updates on the construction schedule.
- Behavioral Health Initiative: Stay updated on the progress of this important initiative.
Sincerely,
Isaac Benton
City Councilor, District 2