EAST GATEWAY COALITION
MINUTES
OCTOBER 18, 2012
The meeting was called to order at 6:45 by
President Roger Mickelson, who then introduced NM Representative Jim White; Dave
Lutz, Mayor’s Office; Commander Kevin Rowe, APD; Kathy Richardson, NM DOT;
Sabrina Garcia, City of ABQ Dept of Municipal Development; Hooshang Tavanaiepour, NMDOT; NM Senator Tim Keller arrived later.
Commander Rowe, speaking first (as he had
another appointment), stated that burglaries were down 50% from May through
October of 2011 and all other crimes are down 60% for the same time frame. He noted that we are approaching the “holiday
crime season” when crimes accelerate. He
stated 75% happen due to carelessness, and warned all to be alert to keeping
windows, doors, and garage doors closed at all times. The usual cautions should be taken with
purchased products.
The president then introduced Mr. Lutz who
gave a short talk on areas in which the mayor’s office is presently involved.
The group representing the construction of
the Paseo-I-25 flyover was led by Sabrina Garcia who stated that the NMDOT,
Federal Highway Association, City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, MRCOG are
all involved with the project. She
stated that Wilson and Company had been selected as the engineering firm to
design the project. Kathy Richardson and
Hooshang Tavanaiepour from the NM
Department of Transportation, followed with a presentation of slides showing
how and where the flyover would be constructed, stating that safety would be a
big issue as there are fifty-six million trips over the present route per year,
and the new project will save 54,800 hours per year for the people using the
route. Costs break down as follows: $50 million for the City; $29,750 for the
state; $5 million for the County; $8,250 million for the federal
government. Time line of the
project: it could begin by the end of
summer 2013; would take 18 to 24 months to complete. For comments you may call 245-3150, or submit
questions to “paseoi25.com”.
District 20 Representative, Jim White, was
then introduced by the president. Rep.
White noted that even though the Legislature is not in session, he has been
heavily involved with the preparation of the 2013 budget. He noted there is very little surplus this
year. Legislators are still pondering
legislation relative New Mexico students moving into higher education with no
more than a 3rd grade level of reading ability. He also noted that “Obamacare” is going to
create areas to be dealt with in Medicaid reserves. Reserves must be increased,
and trying to estimate the amount is onerous.
New Mexico Senator Tim Keller was
introduced. Senator Keller reminded the
audience that our state is still the 50th in many areas (such as
schools, and hospitals). He noted that
he, also is working in the financial area of the legislature. He is working for better jobs in New Mexico, revision
of the scholarship lottery as more students are applying; costs are increasing
and there is a need for changes to be made for the requirements which allow
students to receive the funds.
The president then brought the audience up
to date on the proposed Ordinance to amend the Sector Development Plan to
inflict “view corridor” restrictions on both sides of Central from Dorado to
Tramway.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
