By Rodd Cayton
Albuquerque City Council District 6 residents will have the chance to make their voices heard on how to spend $1.5 million in city funding in their neighborhoods, starting Saturday.
Residents aged 11 and older will have nine projects to choose from; District 6 Councilor Nichole Rogers says people who work in the district will also get to vote. The money is part of the city’s allocation to the district.
Rogers spoke to City Desk ABQ about the initiative earlier this month.
The voting period kicks off with a Project Expo, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the International District Library, 7601 Central Ave NE. City officials and volunteers will share information about each project and allow stakeholders to select three of the nine projects.
Online voting will continue through April 19.
The projects
- One-stop respite stations. Locations at which those experiencing homelessness could receive mail, charge their mobile devices and store their belongings. A “communication board” at each station would include information on nearby resources and allow family members to connect.
- “Portland Loo” public restroom units. Three of the stainless-steel units would be placed in the district. The restrooms are touted as vandalism-resistant, easy to clean and designed to deter crime.
- San Mateo/Kathryn Grower’s Market. Rogers said Thursday that area residents have been asking for such a space since before she joined the council. She said the market would include storage and space for food trucks to park.
- Gateway Family Shelter multi-use playground. The 50-foot-by-50-foot playground would go into the parking lot north of the shelter. It would be constructed to be movable, in case of an eventual relocation of the shelter.
- Buena Vista Drive Bike Infrastructure. Traffic calming measures and other improvements between Gibson Boulevard and Central Avenue.
- Traffic circles for the Trumbull neighborhood. Three traffic calming devices intended to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Transforming vacant land into public parklets. The city would acquire vacant lots and improve them.
- Five Blocks for Life. Beautification of the area around Wilson Middle School. The project would include fixes to faded signs and crosswalks and new murals.
- First responder mural. The money would be used to hire an artist whose work would be included in 3rd Saturday events celebrating arts and culture.
District 6 includes Albuquerque’s Southeast Heights, the University of New Mexico campus, Nob Hill and the International District.