City and State Swap Key Properties, Resolve Several Land Use Issues
April 1, 2023
Today, the City of Albuquerque announced a property-swap with the State for the City-owned property at 1250 Menaul and the State-owned properties at 3401 Pan American and 401 Commercial will move forward. The exchange brings closure to several key land issues in the city’s core. First, the City has full access and acreage needed at a critical downtown location for the Rail Trail. Second, a likely future state public safety facility will be taking over city land at 1250 Menaul, previously under consideration for transfer station and temporarily for a safe outdoor space (SOS). Accordingly, there will be no safe outdoor space or transfer station at the site. Service providers may still apply for safe outdoor spaces at other locations in the city.
“This land swap is win-win for the City and State, and it brings closure to several key land questions for City services and public spaces in the city core. There will be no safe outdoor space or transfer station on Menaul,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “The two properties we are gaining will allow the City to continue expanding important services within Solid Waste in a different area accessible to the freeway and provide amenities next to the Rail Trail.”
The exchange is possible after State Senate Joint Resolution 14, introduced by State Senator Michael Padilla, passed during the legislative session.
“This trade is an exciting step for the State of New Mexico to expand public safety operations and be able to quickly deploy police throughout the state,” said Senator Michael Padilla. “1250 Menaul is at the busiest intersection in the entire state and will bring value to all New Mexicans.”
Because the Pan American site will feature easier access for large City vehicles, the City views the soon-to-be City-owned 3401 Pan American location as an ideal place for Solid Waste Department operations. The 401 Commercial location will play an important role for the future of the Rail Trail. The Rail Trail will be a transformational pedestrian-friendly path linking the historic Albuquerque Rail Yards to the heart of Downtown, the Sawmill District and Old Town.