Albuquerque "The Plan" (hotel, house, landscaping)

[Dan from NM]

How do you feel about the "Albuquerque, The Plan"?

Mayor Berry says the projects will make visitors want to vacation in Albuquerque and make our residents proud that they live in Albuquerque. Going on to say, these enhancements will entice new and existing businesses to grow here, creating new quality jobs.

What are your opinions and how will you be voting?

ELECTION DAY IS OCTOBER 4TH 2011.


Projects included in "The plan" include:

1. A Regional Sports Complex, mostly baseball and softball fields.
2. A "50-Mile" Bike Loop around Albuquerque, that is currently in the process.
3. Rio Grande River Enhancements and Board-walk.
4. Albuquerque Culture Trail
5. Paseo-1-25 Corridor Improvement project
6. Expansion of Rapid Ride to other parts of Albuquerque
7. EXPO New Mexico - Mixed Use park.
8. Albuquerque Convention Center Renovations
9. Albuquerque Civic Plaza Renovations
10. Mixed use ideas for Barelas/Huning Rail Yard (currently abandoned and run down)
11. White water rafting complex, modeled after Charlotte, NC (Which is amazing, having been there!)

Continued Reading:

http://www.cabq.gov/abq-the-plan/
http://www.cabq.gov/abq-the-plan/potential-projects (broken link)

[ABQalex]

I'll vote for it, but I think it lacks really bold and visionary ideas.

And, actually, there are only four projects that are going to be going to voters in the fall: The Rio Grande boardwalk, bike loop, athletic fields, and whitewater rafting facility.

[Burquebinder]

Originally Posted by ABQalex

I'll vote for it, but I think it lacks really bold and visionary ideas.

And, actually, there are only four projects that are going to be going to voters in the fall: The Rio Grande boardwalk, bike loop, athletic fields, and whitewater rafting facility.

Agreed. Some of it is good stuff - especially the rafting facility which I think is a great idea. However, I think better ideas would include:

-updating/beautifying sidewalks city-wide to create more pedestrian-friendly environments, with additional street trees/landscape buffers ala what you see in the main part of Nob Hill...

-Creating some quality public spaces other than parks...ie civic plaza could be much improved, and euro-style plazas could be implemented around downtown as gathering spaces....

-Generally working to get additional infill and business downtown - not really something that is city-initiated, but they could create a better incentive plan, create public-private partnerships etc.

But, those are just my ideas Overall I'm kinda disapointed that some of what I thought were the more doable and interested of the "Plan" are not going up for vote, such as the Central Ave Bus Rapid Transit and the Barelas Railyards mixed-use project. The Boardwalk idea, while could be interesting, is from what I understand an impossibility due to Bosque protections and environmental constraints.

[Dan from NM]

I agree with Alex, it lacks bold ideas.

I think the so called "Civic Plaza" needs to be done away with, personally. The convention center should be expanded and remodeled from top to bottom, with a beautiful hotel.

As for the Barelas Railyard, an events center would fit perfectly along with a downtown mall. That place would be jamming with people.

The "Boardwalk" should be a "Riverwalk" with shops and nice places to eat. Along with a Botanical Gardens entrance.

Landscaping was a huge deal for the Chavez administration, now it's not so much of a big deal.. unless you live in the Lead/Coal streets or Unser.

The White water rafting complex is the greatest idea of all, that is a gold mine. If not for locals, the tourists will have fun. I know I did when I visited the one in Charlotte.

Although the Ideas, aren't bold enough for me either, I think something needs to happen in this town. Spread the word and Vote YES!

[Stanrice]

Originally Posted by Dan from NM

Landscaping was a huge deal for the Chavez administration, now it's not so much of a big deal.. unless you live in the Lead/Coal streets or Unser.

I'm pretty sure landscaping has continued at roughly the same pace. Those are NOT the only streets that have been landscaped in the last 2 years.

[mortimer]

Originally Posted by Burquebinder

... and euro-style plazas could be implemented
around downtown as gathering spaces....

Can you describe this a bit?

I've only spent a little time in Europe - the Netherlands - and
am not sure what you mean. Perhaps a link to a picture or
just a verbal description would be helpful.

[Stanrice]

So I don't think that the plan is either "great" nor "wrong." Could more options be added to the poll to reflect the massive grey area involved in this?

[Burquebinder]

Originally Posted by mortimer

Can you describe this a bit?

I've only spent a little time in Europe - the Netherlands - and
am not sure what you mean. Perhaps a link to a picture or
just a verbal description would be helpful.

Well, these thoughts are really more in my head than in images, but for a close approximation, google Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland, OR (only a southwest version).

[Dan from NM]

Originally Posted by Stanrice

I'm pretty sure landscaping has continued at roughly the same pace. Those are NOT the only streets that have been landscaped in the last 2 years.

Compared to when Chavez was in office? Streets were being Landscaped left and right. Especially when I first bought my house on the west side. Walls were painted their same colors to match from being tagged. Trees were being planted everywhere. Street signs ALL MATCHED. Every new street sign on major roads was "Blue" for the "Q city" theme. Now, street signs are a mess, I guess I'm the only one who notices these things, but they made a huge difference.

[Dan from NM]

Originally Posted by Stanrice

So I don't think that the plan is either "great" nor "wrong." Could more options be added to the poll to reflect the massive grey area involved in this?

Either you are voting YES or NO, I don't think there is a clause that is added to the ballot for suggestions. I'm making it seem as if this is the ballot, and there are only 2 answers.