ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Changes could be coming to Downtown Albuquerque, affecting how drivers and pedestrians get around.
“We can make it so that people want to be Downtown,” said Councilor Joaquin Baca.
Baca, Downtown’s new city councilor, is picking up where his predecessor left off and expanding on a plan to make the streets safer and more walkable.
“Downtown is one of the best marketing tools your city can have,” Baca explained. “A vibrant livable downtown. So, we’re not there right now, it’s always been an up and down.”
The project would first focus on improving Central Avenue from 1st Street to 8th Street by repairing sidewalks, improving lighting, and restriping to better separate pedestrians from traffic. It would also add parklets, which convert streets or parking areas into pedestrian spaces.
Baca also expands on former Councilor Issac Benton’s plans to create two-way roadways on Marquette and Tijeras. The change would apply on both streets between 2nd and 6th, once all the phases are complete.
“That would matter; that would help,” said Baca.
Baca said his proposal would also help narrow the focus of improvements already underway, like cleanup efforts and new lighting to make sure changes are happening where they’re most needed.
“Where would you prioritize parking? Where do we really need that,” Baca questioned. “Where do we prioritize trees, cleaning sidewalks? Where are the best places to do that?”
The funding would come from leftover bond money from other road construction projects. Finally, the resolution would also convert the traffic signals at the 4-way intersection of 3rd St. and Silver into a 4-way stop.
The resolution is being introduced to city councilors Monday evening. The total cost of the project is unknown at this point.
