East Gateway Coalition Meeting July 22

Planning continues for the 6:30-8:30 meeting at the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center. The primary topic of "Focus on Crime" may be preceded by a 5-10 minute pitch by City Legal on Alternate Dispute Resolution.

The approach for Focus on Crime is to allow speakers to speak for 3-5 minutes each on the role that their organization plays in the criminal justice system, beginning with actions taken after a crime (Sheriff Darren White, followed by APD Commander Levi Anaya or another APD representative); prosecutorial tasks (DA Kari Brandenburg); and trials (Judge Pat Murdock is the likely speaker). The focus should be on how suspects are handled throughout the process; what constraints exist that limit arrests/trials/convictions; how priorities are set; and what improvements are needed (e.g., staff, budget, legislation). After the talks are concluded, the floor would be opened for questions and answers and general discussion.

I trust that the attendees will come pre-armed with good questions and insightful concerns. Over the last years, I've heard many people who didn't fully understand why some perpetrators escaped justice---this is an opportunity for representatives of several community associations to ask and be answered.

Please note that our Bylaws prohibit any partisan political activities. I ask for your cooperation on sticking to the main topic of the evening.


Sincerely, Roger MickelsonPresident, East Gateway Coalition of Associations

East Gateway Coalition Newsletter

April-May 2008
(Publication date: June 4, 2008)

Revitalization of East Central Avenue is moving forward, with a public “kick off” meeting on May 22 to discuss how the Sector Development Plan will be developed. The initial plan boundaries are Virginia Street on the west, Copper Avenue to I-40 on the north, the City limit on the east, and Kirtland AFB on the south as shown below in yellow; the much smaller Metropolitan Redevelopment Area is a darker shade of gray.

Paula Donahue, the Senior Planner for the Sector Plan, and the contractor Planning Team presented the program process, asked for public input as to good and bad locations in the plan area, and answered questions. The next series of public input meetings will be conducted during the last week in August. The Metropolitan Redevelopment planning process will support the sector plan by identifying a few projects to improve the economic and aesthetic environment. Paula can be reached at 924-3932 or pdonahue@cabq.gov.

Great Streets. The Planning Department proposed a complex and comprehensive Rank 2 (policy level) facility plan for embellishing two dozen street segments with landscaping, limited parking, walkable sidewalks, and other aesthetic features to give selected area residents a “sense of place.” Testimony and messages opposing the need for an overarching policy/plan convinced the Environmental Planning Commission to defer hearing the proposal until August. There have been some public meetings that generated both support and opposition; many comments are addressed in the Staff Report. However, there are still questions concerning costs (estimates are in the $50-70 million range); water use; maintenance; locations; and competing priorities in a time of tight budgets. The EPC directed that concerns be considered in a revised Staff Report and that the implementation process be clarified a month prior to the next hearing. Perhaps the 113 pages of standards and guidelines that provide many design templates and suggestions might more properly be considered during preparation or review of Sector Plans, Overlay Zones, or separate legislation rather than being incorporated into a citywide facility plan.

Form Based Code. The proposal to add a151-page addition to the Zoning Code was withdrawn at the EPC hearing due to extensive concerns and opposition. That document is being rewritten and should be available very soon. Several people who follow such things suspect that many controversial issues will remain. These may become issues for the Coalition to consider after receipt and analysis of the revised proposal.

Next Coalition meeting will be held at 6:30 pm on July 22, at the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center. The major topic on the agenda will be Focus on Crime, with an Albuquerque Police Department senior representative (Foothills Commander Levi Anaya or a Deputy Chief), District Attorney Kari Brandenburg, and other organizational officials prepared to answer questions. The intent is for a few presenters to summarize their roles in finding, arresting, investigating, prosecuting, convicting, and sentencing criminals. This has been one of the major concerns of citizens, and I encourage all member-representatives to prepare some hard questions and to participate on July 22. More details will be provided via e-mail.


Roger Mickelson 323-9273 fhvhaRoger@aol.com

East Gateway Sector Development Planning Meeting Summary

I attended the May 22 East Gateway Sector Development Planning Meeting at the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center. About 100 East Gate Coalition members attended, but I didn't see any from our association except Mori Jafari. The meeting was conducted by Paula Donahue, City Senior Planner with a team of contract consultants. Before the Sector Plan discussion, we were told that an 0.125% county tax increase would be proposed for the Rail Runner and that an increase of 9.5% in gas and electric bills had been approved by the PRC.

Paula asked us to place green or red stickers on locations within the plan area indicating those they favored or not for attractiveness, drivability and security. We also asked to fill out cards with questions or comments on issues, needs, problems, etc. The plan will involve integration of transportation, land use and market studies for economic development feasibility. Duration will be 15 months with several milestones, tasks, schedules and key events. The objective is to make the East Gateway more prosperous and attractive.

The chief consultant presented a slide lecture showing the Centers and Corridors concept approved by the City, with high density centers with hotels and offices buildings at major intersections, integrated with residential neighborhoods between.

He showed various city street, business and residence configurations that have developed in major cities and pointed out their pros and cons and how they were able to adapt or not to changes in transportation, commercial building, and residential construction. Regulations must allow for interconnectivity, change, regulate use, maintain property values, and facilitiate trsnsportation and parking.

Paula will send attendees a report on their favored and unfavored areas for attractiveness, etc. and the issues they brought up or submitted on cards at the meeting. I'll send you a copy for e-mailing to our members.

Sent to Roger Mickelson

5/26/2008

From Tom Conley - Meeting Attendee