July/August 2015 "Look Before You Lock" APD and AFD Launch Campaign Reminding Parents not to Leave Children Unattended in Vehicles In conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Albuquerque Police Department and Albuquerque Fire Department started a public awareness campaign, “Look Before You Lock”, that focuses on the dangers of leaving children in cars. Kids and hot cars are a deadly combination. The police department wants to remind parents that they should always know where their children are at all times to ensure their safety. The hope is that these simple reminders will save lives. The “Look Before You Lock” campaign is aimed to help busy parents and caretakers remember to look in the passenger and back seats of their vehicles before they lock their car doors. APD will be distributing posters to local shopping centers, daycares and other businesses to remind people to check their vehicles. Window clings will also be distributed at local substations to place in vehicles as a reminder for drivers to check their vehicles before locking them. We also encourage local media and stations to add web banners to their web pages. According to the NHTSA, heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle fatalities for children 14 and under. One child dies from heatstroke nearly every 10 days from being left in a hot vehicle. The NHTSA and other safety advocates and academic institutions have recognized the safety threat heatstroke poses for young children left in hot cars. The federal government, automakers, car seat manufacturers, health and safety advocates, consumer groups and others are working together to tackle this important safety issue. Heatstroke can occur in temperatures as low as 57 degrees. A recent study shows that in more than 54 percent of cases, the person responsible for the child’s death unknowingly or accidentally left the child in the vehicle. In more than 30 percent of cases, a child got into the vehicle on their own. The message of the campaign is simple. Never leave children unattended, especially in vehicles. Make a habit of checking your rear and passenger seats every time you exit your car. Always lock your vehicle and keep keys out of reach of young children. If you ever see a child left alone in a vehicle call 911 immediately. It is the policy of the police and fire department to have a priority one response to any reports of children or pets left in hot vehicles. As we approach the winter months, the temperatures drop but children are still at risk for serious injury or death when they are left in vehicles unattended in any weather. AFD and APD will continue their campaign throughout all seasons to remind parents to never leave their children alone in vehicles. Forming good habits now will help save lives all year long.
Neighborhood News - July/August 2015 CONTENTS - Neighborhood News July/August 2015 Edition - Volume 31, No. 7 Published Monthly “Dedicated to providing information about City Government and Increasing Communication between Neighborhood and/or Homeowner Associations�
APD Crime Prevention Submitted by Steve Sink National Night Out 2015 On Tuesday, August 4 neighborhoods throughout Albuquerque are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 32nd Annual National Night Out (NNO) crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the Albuquerque Police Department, APD Crime Prevention Unit and the Office of Neighborhood Coordination, will involve approximately 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. Event registration information was sent to all Neighborhood Watch Block Captains and Recognized Neighborhood and Homeowner Association representatives in early July. The letter will direct callers to the City of Albuquerque Citizen Contact Center at 311 to register. Please do not call 311 till you receive notification in early July. Registration deadline is Thursday, July 30, 2015 at 5 pm. If you are not a Neighborhood and/or Homeowner Association or not an established Neighborhood Watch and you want to participate, please call 311 in mid-July to register your event. If you have questions about National Night Out, contact Steve Sink, Albuquerque Police Department Crime Prevention Manager at 505-244-6644 or <ssink@cabq.gov> for assistance. National Night Out is an excellent opportunity for you and your neighbors to socialize, renew acquaintances, welcome new neighbors and meet law enforcement officers in your area. Plan to join us once again for another fun and enjoyable citywide celebration by calling 311 after you receive notification in July.
Planning Department Submitted by Catalina Lehner Proposed Text Amendments to the Northwest Mesa Escarpment Plan (NWMEP) At its regularly scheduled public hearing on Thursday, August 13, 2015, the Environmental Planning Commission (EPC) will consider text amendments to the NWMEP. The proposed text amendments would allow light poles, taller and brighter than those currently allowed, for a new City sports complex. The proposed text amendments would apply only to the sports complex site, which consists of Parcels C-2-A, C-3-A and C-3-C, Westland North, located south of Arroyo Vista Boulevard NW, north of Tierra Pintada Boulevard NW and east/north of 118th Street NW. The proposed bill (R-15-122) is available online at <https://cabq.legistar.com/ Legislation.aspx>. Please contact Catalina LehnerAICP, Senior Planner, at 505-924-3935 or <clehner@cabq.gov> for more information. Please submit any comments to her no later than July 31, 2015.
Inside This Edition
APDepartment............................................................1 APD Crime Prevention, Planning Department.....2 Animal Welfare Department................................ 3/4 Cultural Services Department...................................5 Albuquerque Housing Authority..............................6 Parks and Recreation Department...................... 6/7
Planning Department......................................................8 ABQ Ride, Parks and Recreation Department............9 AFD.................................................................................10 July/August 2015 Calendar/Legend...........................11 EPC Cases................................................................ 12/13 Planning Department.......................................13/14/15
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Neighborhood News - July/August 2015 Animal Welfare Department Submitted by Desiree Cawley
Heat Can Kill Pets
Albuquerque Animal Welfare wants to remind pet owners to be extra careful with pets during hot temperature months. With unseasonably high temperatures hitting or topping 100 degrees through August, the extreme heat can pose a danger to pets. Here are reminders from the Humane Society of the United States. Never leave your pets in a parked car. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85 degree day for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within ten minutes. After 30 minutes the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Shade and water are musts. Anytime your pet is outside make sure he or she has protection from heat and sun (a doghouse alone does not provide relief from heat) and plenty of fresh, cool water. Heat stroke can be fatal for pets as well as people. Limit exercise on hot days. Take care when exercising your pet. Adjust the intensity and duration of exercise in accordance with the temperature. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Be especially careful with pets with white-colored ears that are more susceptible to skin cancer and short-nosed pets. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws. Recognize the signs of heatstroke. In case of an emergency, it’s important to be able to identify the symptoms of heat stress caused by exposure to extreme temperatures. When in doubt, contact your veterinarian immediately. Some signs of heatstroke are: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue and unconsciousness. If your pet shows symptoms of heatstroke, take steps immediately to gradually lower his or her body temperature and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Follow these tips and it could save your pet’s life: • Move your pet into the shade or an air-conditioned area. • Apply ice packs or cold towels to your pet’s head, neck and chest or run cool (not cold) water over your pet. • Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. • Take your pet directly to a veterinarian. Albuquerque Animal Welfare reminds you to always spay or neuter your pets.
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Neighborhood News - July/August 2015 Animal Welfare Department Submitted by Desiree Cawley Got Kitten? Stop toying with the idea of adopting and find your best friend at Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department city shelters, where you’ll find reasons galore to add a kitten to your family and home. Think of the welcome joy of whisker kisses and pet curly tails in your own home. If kitten happiness isn’t enough, pounce on this: The cost of adopting two cuddly kitties is the same as adopting one. And if that were not enough, vaccination, microchipping and spay/neuter are included. Here’s how it works: • Fun-loving kittens that are 6 months and under: $50
• Kitty Kompanions: a second kitten or cat - is FREE!
Come meet them and see how much fun they can be. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to adopt a kitty or two. When:
Starts Tuesday, June 9, 2015 and continues through the summer.
Where: Eastside Shelter, 8920 Lomas Boulevard NE, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Westside Shelter, 11800 Sunset Gardens SW, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lucky Paws, Coronado Mall, 6600 Menaul NE, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. / Sunday, noon-6 p.m. Albuquerque Animal Welfare reminds you to always spay or neuter your pets.
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Neighborhood News - July/August 2015 Cultural Services Department Submitted by Isabella Oms
Special Events
Route 66 Summerfest The City of Albuquerque, Nob Hill Main Street and the New Mexico Jazz Festival invite you to the annual Route 66 Summerfest on Saturday, July 18 from 2 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Nob Hill - Central Ave. This mile-long stretch of FREE fun located on Central Avenue in Historic Nob Hill will feature up to 25 music artists on three different stages including national headliner 311/711 * CultureABQ.com Roomful of Blues. Shop with great local vendors and artists in the Mother Road Market and enjoy great dining with local food trucks. Have a blast at the FREE kids’ activities in the Kid Zone and Youth Central, walk the Route 66 Summerfest Car Show and unwind with a cold drink in the Cork & Tap. Ride your bike and utilize the FREE bike valet! 48’
Route 66 Summerfest
14’
Free * July 18
Cultural Services, City of Albuquerque, Richard J. Berry, Mayor.
Sumfest 15 14’ x 48’ display
Downtown Summerfest You are invited to downtown Albuquerque for a night of FREE enjoyment. Summerfest is returning to Civic Plaza on Saturday, August 8 from 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. There will be live music from local bands, leading up to the national headliner Taylor Dayne, singer of smash hits “Tell It to My Heart,” and “Love Will Lead You Back.” Shop the market of handmade goods provided by local artisans, enjoy FREE kids’ activities and savor some local favorites from on-site food trucks. Westside Summerfest Come out to Cottonwood Corners on Saturday, August 22 from 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. as the Summerfest season draws to a close. Rock out to live music performed by national headliner George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. Enjoy exploring the different crafts offered by local artisans and bring the kids for a day filled with food, fun and great activities. There will also be a selection of some of Albuquerque’s local food vendors, as well as a Microbrew Garden. Art in the Afternoon
Enjoy some Art in the Afternoon this summer! Art in the Afternoon takes place every Saturday from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. The event includes a performance by a different local band every week and music from all genres. The museum restaurant, Slate at the Museum offers fantastic menu and drink specials to add even more flavor to every show. Museum admission and parking are FREE during each event. Check-out the July/August schedule below:
July 18: Entourage Jazz with Special Guest, San Francisco Saxophonist, Beth Schenck - Jazz Standards July 25: John P. Martinez - Bach to Rock guitar music August 1: Last Call - Jazz Summertime in Old Town Summertime in Old Town is the hottest place to be this summer! From April to October, weekends in Old Town come to life with music of all genres, colorful dance performances and educational theater. Whether you are visiting our historical city or are a resident wanting an afternoon stroll, we invite you to visit the Old Town plaza for FREE and fun entertainment. Summertime in Old Town takes place every Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. in the Gazebo. Find the remainder of the July schedule below and visit <CultureABQ.com> for updates to August. Friday, July 17: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. – Youngsville - A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock ‘n’ Roll Saturday, July 18: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. – Blu Sol - Funk, Old School, R&B, Pop, Cumbia Sunday, July 19: 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. – Watermelon Mountain Jug Band - Americana, Country, Bluegrass Sunday, July 19: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. – Prisma - Variety Friday, July 24: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. – Chuck Hawley - Roots Rock, Americana, Garage Jazz, Funk Saturday, July 25: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. – The Luna Cats - Acoustic Rock Sunday, July 26: 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. – Desert Duo - Easy Listening Sunday, July 26: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Kevin Herig Trio and Kyle Ruggles - Indie Folk Rock Friday, July 31: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. – Yerba Buena - Variety For more information visit <CultureABQ.com> or call 311.
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Neighborhood News - July/August 2015 Albuquerque Housing Authority Submitted by Brian Eagan
service that is available to landlords at no cost. • Section 8 Tenants! Please see <www.gosection8.com> to view current section 8 rental listings for FREE.
Albuquerque Housing Authority Empowering people in our community through affordable housing and selfsufficiency opportunities
Parks and Recreation Department Submitted by Jen Samp
Section 8 Housing Landlord Seminars – FREE Classes On How To Join
Ground-Nesting Bees in Albuquerque Parks
Albuquerque Housing Authority (AHA) is hosting a FREE seminar for owners/landlords who are currently or are interested in being a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance Program Landlord.
By now, some of you may have noticed that there are a number of small, fast bees flying low over bare dirt areas in some of our parks; commonly this happens around kids’ playground equipment, as those areas often have a bare dirt/sand surface But don’t grab your kids and run for the car! Instead take a few minutes to sit with the kids and watch the bees. You may notice some are about the size of honey bees, but many are quite a bit smaller.
AHA Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Compliance Inspectors will be available to answer almost any question that you may have.
There are many species of ground nesting bees in New Mexico. All are important pollinators and in that way they are similar to the more common honey bee. There are some important differences, though. First and foremost, these bees (sometimes called miner or digger bees) are not aggressive and most of the ones you’ll see flying can’t sting anyway – they’re males trying to establish mating territories.
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2015 or Thursday, August 20, 2015 (same seminar offered twice) Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Location: Albuquerque Housing Authority Office Carnis Salibury Building Manuel Cordova Conference Room 1840 University Boulevard SE Links: RSVP online at <http://www.abqha.org/ landlords.aspx#CalendarContent>
Secondly these are solitary bees. They don’t live in big colonies or hives like honeybees. However, like a lot of us they enjoy each other’s company, so they often make their individual nests all in the same area. They like dry dirt to dig their nest holes in which is why our playground areas are so attractive.
How Do I Become an AHA Section 8 Housing Program Landlord? If you agree to lease your rental unit (house, apartment, mobile home, etc.) to an AHA Housing Choice Voucher program participant, you and the tenant must complete and return the preliminary paperwork to AHA. AHA will review this paperwork and schedule an inspection of the unit. If the unit and the rent are approved, the owner and AHA staff execute a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract. Screening of potential tenants is your responsibility as owner/property manager, AHA cannot guarantee or recommend the suitability of any tenant. The HAP contract amount paid by AHA is a percentage of the total rent amount. Have more questions? Download our Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program Landlord Handbook and find useful forms here. Visit <http://www.abqha.org/ll-files.aspx>.
Finally they have a very short life span as flying adults. Most will be gone within 2-4 weeks! They spend the rest of their life cycle below ground as eggs or developing larvae. So to put it all together: harmless, ecologically important but very temporary and a natural part of our southwestern ecosystem. Given all of that it is our policy here at Park Management to tread lightly and let them have their time. If we did want to kill them off we would have to treat the play areas with insecticides. Besides the obvious damage to the beneficial and important pollinators, this would leave toxic chemical residues in the soil around the kids play structures. We don’t want risk that exposure to our children!
Landlords Benefit From Housing Choice Voucher Program In Many Ways. • Timeliness and stability of rent payments that you receive from AHA. Direct deposit makes it easy. • Each year AHA will conduct a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection that will alert you to potential problems in the home or apartment you own and rent out. • Access to 4,000 active renters in the greater Albuquerque area. On any given day, AHA has multiple families actively searching for a new place to call HOME. • AHA participates with the GoSection8 online rental listing
Please be patient if you have concerns about these bees. They will fade away soon for this year. Take some time to watch them do their thing – what a great learning moment for urban kids who may be suffering from a lack of connection to their natural world.
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Neighborhood News - July/August 2015 Parks and Recreation Department Submitted by Jen Samp
Parks and Recreation Department
OPEN SPACE VISITOR CENTER
july
2015
connecting people to place
BOSQUE
In the Gallery July - September Opening Reception Sunday, July 5th 2 pm
The mission of the Open Space Gallery is to inspire an exchange of ideas, solutions and interpretations as they relate to Open Space lands so as to deepen and enhance visitor understanding, appreciation and stewardship for Albuquerque’s unique natural and human community.
For over one million years, the bosque has been a companion of the Rio Grande, expanding or shrinking depending on the whims of the water flow, offering sanctuary to wildlife and, more recently, people.
BOSQUE is a group exhibition focused on artists’ expression of their relationship with the city’s riverside forest. The show is a complex visual array, as complex and inspiring as the environment inspiring it.
Mayor Richard J. Berry
Birding Hot Spots of Santa Fe, Taos and Northern New Mexico
Booksigning with authors Judy Liddell & Barbara Hussey
Sunday, July 26th 1:00 - 2:30 pm
The Story Hour Series
Thursdays: July 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
10 - 11 am. Ages from 3 to 12. No registration required. Local Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators will stun you with their stories, field your keen questions and curiosities, and sign their beautiful books if you decide to purchase one. See the schedule@ www.cabq.gov/openspace
Bonsai Demonstration and Talk a part of the Open Space Summer Series
GIFT SHOP
Saturdays & Sundays 10 -4
The Open Space Visitor Center and the Gift Shop are C LO S E D Saturday, July 4th Independence Day
Sunday, July 12th | 9:00 am Bonsai Demonstration and Talk – Open Space Visitor Center. The basics of creating and maintaining Bonsai by members of the Albuquerque Bonsai Club. Find out more about them at www.abqbonsaiclub.com
Grateful Life Yoga Begin Sundays with an outdoor meditation at 8:30 followed by YOGA. Every Sunday, 9 am $15. First class is $5 and punch cards offer a discount. Class fees include a donation to the Open Space Alliance.
6500 Coors Blvd NW Albuquerque, NM 87120
between Montano & Paseo del Norte at the end of Bosque Meadows Rd.
Tuesday - Sunday • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm • 897-8831 •
Look for the “Flyway”
Open Space Visitor Center on facebook @ABQOpenSpace on twitter
www.cabq.gov/openspace
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Neighborhood News - July/August 2015 Planning Department Submitted by Linda Rumpf
50-MILE ACTIVITY LOOP UPDATE
Phase 1 Update: Progress has been made on the 50-Mile Activity Loop project, the City of Albuquerque’s proposed 50-mile multi-use trail and bikeway facility which will connect our existing trails and bikeways facilities. The first phase of construction which connects Uptown to Nob Hill via multi-use trail construction, sharrows and other improvements is 20% complete. Once finished, the loop will provide a 50-mile bicycling, running and walking loop around the city. A key goal of this project is to get our community moving and healthier by providing better access to the multi-use trails and bicycle facilities in the City and County. The short-term goal is to fill in gaps in the bikeways and trail system and later add amenities, such as benches, public art, shade structures, water fountains, landscaping, pocket parks and wayfinding signs.
NEW TO THIS PROJECT: The City is adding some new elements with this project to ensure bicycle and pedestrian safety. HAWK Signal/Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon A high-intensity activated crosswalk or HAWK signal, also known as a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon, will be installed at the intersection of Lomas Boulevard NE and Alvarado Drive NE along with a median refuge for pedestrians and bicyclists. A HAWK signal is a special type of hybrid beacon used to warn and control traffic at an unsignalized location to assist pedestrians in crossing a street or highway at a marked crosswalk. Bicyclists and pedestrians using this intersection will be able to activate the hybrid beacon with push buttons at each approach on Alvarado Drive NE at Lomas Boulevard NE. Sharrows / Shared Lanes Shared lane markings or “sharrows” are road markings used to indicate a shared lane environment for bicycles and automobiles. Shared lane markings reinforce the legitimacy of bicycle traffic on the street and recommend proper bicyclist positioning (NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide, 2012).
According to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, shared lane markings are used to: • Assist cyclists with lateral positioning in a shared lane with on-street parallel parking in order to reduce the chance of a bicyclist impacting the open door of a parked vehicle; • Assist cyclists with lateral positioning in lanes that are too narrow for a motor vehicle and a bicycle to travel side-by-side within the same traffic lane; • Alert motorists of the lateral location bicyclists are likely to occupy within the traveled way; • Encourage safe passing of bicyclists by motorists; and • Reduce the incidence of wrong way bicycling.
NEXT STEPS Next steps include designs for an on street Downtown connection, Coors Boulevard and Eagle Ranch Trail and on street facilities and project wide signing and striping. These projects are underway with final designs anticipated for fall of 2015. LEARN MORE For more information about this and other ABQ the Plan projects, please visit the ABQ the Plan web page at <abqtheplan.cabq.gov>. Or contact the Planning Department by e-mail at <theplan@cabq.gov> or by phone 505-924-3860.
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Neighborhood News - July/August 2015 ABQ Ride Submitted by Rick De Reyes
housing, fueling a car and maintaining it is likely our biggest expense.
ABQ RIDE Helps Riders “Dump the Pump” with the ABQ RIDE App’s Latest Features and Managers Clean the Alvarado Transportation Center as a Team Building Exercise
“APTA’s statistics show that a two-person household can save an average of more than $10,000 a year by downsizing to one car and using public transportation,” said Bruce Rizzieri, Director of ABQ RIDE. On Friday, June 12, ABQ RIDE’s upper level managers were tasked with getting back to fundamentals once again. Last year, it was cleaning buses. This time, they spent the morning cleaning around the Alvarado Transportation Center.
If you want to quickly find Albuquerque’s bike trails as you bike your way around the city, help is now just a smartphone app away. The ABQ RIDE app now features Albuquerque’s nearly 400 miles of bike trails along with their proximity to ABQ RIDE stops. It’s just the newest of the app’s many features.
Managers performed a number of chores at ABQ RIDE’s transportation hub at 1st Street SW and Central Avenue SW. Among them, cleaning and emptying trash receptacles, cleaning and wiping benches, sweeping the grounds, cleaning the outside and dusting the frames of the Alvarado’s outside, historical exhibits and cleaning the windows on doors leading to offices and the customer service waiting area.
Just press on the “Live Tracking” feature of the app, then press on the bicycle icon in the upper right hand corner. It will display the bike trails for the route requested. Both iPhone and Android users were urged to use all these features to help “Dump the Pump” on June 18, National Dump the Pump Day.
“This annual exercise is part of building a strong, customer service-focused team,” said Bruce Rizzieri, Director of ABQ RIDE. “It’s important that upper level managers understand the essential of a customer service organization.”
“The app’s new bike map feature makes it easier than ever before to bike and bus your way around Albuquerque for either work or pleasure,” said Mayor Richard J. Berry. “For this special day and every day, we urged our customers with smartphones to download ABQ RIDE’s app and realize savings in different ways.”
The hands-on learning experience is part of a monthly meeting for upper level managers begun by Director Rizzieri in 2013. These meetings help managers learn different aspects of the department’s workings. Last year, they cleaned, vacuumed and sanitized the interiors of four ABQ RIDE buses at Transit’s Daytona facility on Albuquerque’s Westside. It is the same process vehicle servicers go through with over a hundred buses every night.
Another way riders were urged to “Dump the Pump” was to use the app’s Metro Savings Calculator feature. You can find it in the app by going to “Fares” and pressing on the feature labeled “What’s It Cost to Drive?” (You can also find the calculator on ABQ RIDE’s website on the left side of the webpage, or just go to <www.cabq.gov/transit/metro-savings-calculator>). Users input a few numbers such as mileage to and from work, the cost of a gallon of gas, monthly cost for parking, car payment, etc. and get a figure for potential savings over a year’s time.
“It’s meant to give our managers a heightened sense of the teamwork needed to run our department,” added Rizzieri. “It also fosters a mutual respect among our employees.”
The ABQ RIDE app made its debut in June 2012, when City of Albuquerque data sets were made available to the public by Mayor Berry’s Open Data Initiative; a program which encouraged the development of apps and services for public use. Since then the app has been downloaded over 32 thousand times. It provides not only real time information about where buses are located but other information such as bus and Rail Runner schedules and fares along with the aforementioned bicycle maps and savings calculator.
Parks and Recreation Department Submitted by Cristin Chavez-Smith Ventana Ranch Tennis Courts
To get a FREE download of the ABQ RIDE App for your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Android phone, go to <www.myabqride.com> and click on “Transit Mobile Apps” on the front page. National Dump the Pump Day was organized by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Communities all over the country, including Albuquerque participated to demonstrate how public transit is the quickest way to beat rising gas prices. According to APTA, we typically spend one dollar out of every five dollars we earn on transportation; that after
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On July 2, 2015, the City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Department opened 12 new tennis courts at Ventana Ranch Park in Northwest Albuquerque. The courts were opened in style; not with a ribbon cutting, but with a “first-serve” from Albuquerque’s Junior Team Tennis players, as well as Mayor Richard J. Berry and Councilor Dan Lewis. The 12 courts are all lit and will operate as other public tennis courts throughout the city; on a first-come, first-served basis. Four of the 12 courts are also lined for pickleball, giving our local pickleballers a total of eight courts at Ventana Ranch. You can also expect to see some middle and high school tennis teams practicing on the courts in the coming year. For more information regarding the Ventana Ranch Tennis Courts or other City of Albuquerque Tennis Programs, please call 505224-6682.
Neighborhood News - July/August 2015 AFD Submitted by Melissa Romero
homes as well. You will be responsible for filling your own bags. Go to <http://tinyurl.com/o2tl8xa> for a list of sand and sandbag pickup locations.
Flood Safety
Arroyo, Ditch and River Safety Tips Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in New Mexico for ages 1 to 44 years old. Each year over 8,000 people drown in this country. Nearly 4,000 of those drowning occur during the summer months of June, July and August.
Flash floods are the #1 weather related killer with approximately 140 deaths recorded in the U.S. each year. Flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other severe weather related event, an average of $5 billion a year. Flooding can occur in any of the 50 states or U.S. territories at any time of the year.
• Practice constant, adult supervision around any body of water including pools and spas. • Arroyo, River or Ditches - Never play in or around arroyos. The water can travel from 3-30 mph. • Be careful! Even when arroyos are dry they can flood very quickly. • If caught in the flowing water, float on your back feet down stream. • Call for help. • Stay calm. • Avoid bridge supports and debris use feet to push off. • Stay floating on your back until the water slows down. • Do not try to swim or stand up until the water slows. • Reach for a rope or other object when near you. • Never attempt a rescue you may become the next victim.
Flash flooding is a result of heavy localized rainfall from slow moving intense thunderstorms. These floods often become raging torrents of water which rip through city streets, arroyos and valleys sweeping everything with them. Flash flooding usually occurs within six hours of a heavy rain event. In hilly terrain, flash floods can strike with little or no advance warning. Within minutes, distant rain may be channeled into arroyos and ravines turning a quiet stream into a rampaging torrent. Flood Safety Tips
AFD has 11 Stations that are trained and ready to deploy 24/7 to a Water Rescue incident. AFD trains annually to maintain certifications and to be prepared to respond if the need arises.
• Don’t drive through flooded areas. • Even if it looks shallow enough to cross. The large majority of deaths due to flash flooding occur with people driving through flooded areas. Water only a foot deep can displace a 1500 lb. vehicle. Two feet of water can easily carry most automobiles. Roads concealed by water may not be intact. • Do not cross flowing stream on foot where water is above your ankles. • Do not allow children to play around arroyos, drainage ditches, storm drains or other flooded areas! • Be prepared! Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest statements, watches and warnings concerning heavy rain and flash flooding in your area. Sand Bags and Sand Pick-Up Locations The monsoon season is here and sandbags and sand are available at city fire stations for citizens who live in high flood areas of the city. Please only take the amount of sandbags and sand that you need so other people can protect their
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Neighborhood News - July/August 2015 1-6 NO MEETINGS IN Friday, July 17 • East Gateway Coalition AUGUST FOR: • District 7 Coalition - 6:30 p.m. • District 8 Coalition • East Gateway Coalition Tuesday, July 21 • ZHE - 9 a.m. Monday, August 3 • City Council - 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 22 • DRB - 9 a.m. Tuesday, August 4 • SWAN - 6 p.m. Thursday, July 23 • District 8 Coalition Wednesday, August 5 - 7 p.m. • DRB - 9 a.m. • Westside Coalition Tuesday, July 28 - 7 p.m. • BOA - 9 a.m. 17 - 31
Wednesday, July 29 • DRB - 9 a.m.
7 - 18 Wednesday, August 12 • DRB - 9 a.m • LUCC - 3 p.m.
19 - 31 Wednesday, August 19 • DRB - 9 a.m. • AHA - 12 p.m. • District 4 Coalition - 7 p.m.
Thursday, August 13 • EPC Public Hearing - 8:30 a.m. Thursday, August 20 • South Valley Coalition • AAB - 8:15 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 25 Monday, August 17 • BOA - 9 a.m. • City Council - 5 p.m. Wednesday, August 26 Tuesday, August 18 • DRB - 9 a.m. • ZHE - 9 a.m.
Thursday, August 6 • EPC Case Distribution - 3 p.m.
2015 CALENDAR/LEGEND AAB - Airport Advisory Board, Albuquerque International Sunport, 3rd Floor, Aviation Department Administrative Office Conference Room, 2200 Sunport Boulevard SE AHA - Albuquerque Housing Authority, Carnis Salisbury Building, Manuel Cordova Conference Room, 1840 University Boulevard SE, 505-764-3915 BOA - Board of Appeals, Plaza del Sol Hearing Room Basement Level, 600 Second Street NW City Council - Vincent E. Griego Council Chambers, Basement Level, City Hall District 4 Coalition - North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center, Community Room, 7521 Carmel Avenue NE District 7 Coalition - Grant Middle School, Library, 1111 Easterday NE District 8 Coalition - Holiday Park Community Center, 11710 Comanche Road NE East Gateway Coalition - Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center, 501 Elizabeth Street SE EPC - Environmental Planning Commission, Plaza del Sol Hearing Room, (Basement Level), 600 Second Street NW EPC Case Distribution - Planning Department, Plaza del Sol, Hearing Room, (Basement Level), 600 Second Street NW LUCC - Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission, Plaza del Sol, Hearing Room, (Basement Level), 600 Second Street NW SVCNA - South Valley Coalition of Neighborhood Associations, Sheriff’s Department South Area Command, 2039 Isleta Boulevard SW SWAN - South West Alliance of Neighbors, Alamosa Multi-Purpose Center, 6900 Gonzales Road SW Westside Coalition - Don Newton/Taylor Ranch Community Center, 4900 Kachina Drive NW ZHE - Zoning Hearing Examiner Office - Plaza del Sol Building, 3rd Floor, 505-924-3894; ZHE Hearing are held in the Plaza del Sol Hearing Room, (Basement Level), 600 Second Street NW
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Neighborhood News - July/August 2015 EPC Hearing Notice
Neighborhood Alert - Be aware that public comments at EPC Meeting have a time limitation due to the length of the EPC Hearings. The 48-Hour Rule of the EPC: All written materials and other documents shall be submitted to the Planning Department no later than 9 a.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of the Public Hearing Week. For an Appeal Hearing - no communication with EPC is allowed within five days of the Public Hearing. In order to make maximum use of the following information - please note:
• Scan the entire list to see if your neighobrhood association has a case this month. • The name and phone number of the developer/agent is listed so that you can easily contact them should you have any questions. • The assigned staff planner is identified with each agenda item should you need additional information (i.e., check on the actual placement of your case on the agenda). All staff may be reached at 505-924-3860.
• On the day of the EPC Public Hearing, call the Planning Department at 505-924-3860 and the receptionist will give you the status of the EPC Public Hearing.
• Staff Reports are available at the Planning Department beginning at 3 p.m. on the 1st Thursday prior to the EPC Public Hearing. On the 1st Thursday of each month, the EPC has a Case Distribution to review the applications scheduled for the all-day Public Hearing which occurs on the 2nd Thursday of each month. As with the Public Hearing, the public is invited to attend the Case Distribution, however, Case Distributions do not provide an open forum. Discussion is limited to staff and the EPC. Case Distributions regularly begin at 3 p.m. in the Planning Department Hearing Room, Plaza Del Sol Building. Please call the Planning Department at 505-924-3860 to confirm the Case Distribution schedule will happen at the times listed as time adjustments are made occasionally. The EPC Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. in the Planning Department Hearing Room, (basement level), 600 Second Street NW for the following case: Northeast West La Cueva, Sonora, District 4 Coalition of NA’s (neighborhood/homeowner association/coalition); 15EPC-40023, Project #10105207 (case #’s); Approximately 1.48 acres located on the south side of Signal Avenue NE between Alameda Boulevard NE and Wilshire Avenue NE (location of request); C-19 (zone atlas page #); DAC Zoning and Land Use Services at 505-294-5243, agent for Abbas Akhil (applicant or agency and phone #); Requests an Zone Map Amendment from SU-2 O-1 to R-D DU/A to provide low density single family dwellings (action requested); Catalina Lehner at 505-924-3935, e-mail: <clehner@cabq.gov>. (City staff planner) The Quail Springs, Nor Este, District 4 Coalition of NA’s; 15EPC-40024, Project #1010521; Approximately 1 acre located on the south side of Oakland Avenue NE between Louisiana Boulevard NE and Wyoming Boulevard NE; C-19; DAC Zoning and Land Use Services at 505-294-5243, agent for Shakeel Rizvi, D/B/A; Request a Zone Map Amendment from SU-2/O-1 to R-D/5 DU/A for a proposed low density single family dwellings; Catalina Lehner at 505-924-3935, e-mail: <clehner@cabq.gov>. Northwest Tres Volcanes, Parkway, Avalon, Laurelwood, Los Volcanes, South Valley Coalition of NA’s, South West Alliance of Neighbors (SWAN), Westside Coalition of NA’s; 15EPC-40027, Project #1010536; City of Albuquerque, Planning Department at 505-924-3860, agent for City of Albuquerque, City Council Services; J-7-8; Requests an Amendment to the Northwest Mesa Escarpment Plan to allow Luminaires (light poles) taller and brighter than is currently allowed in the Plan for the City Sports Complex to be located within the boundary of the Plan; Catalina Lehner at 505-924-3935, e-mail: <clehner@cabq.gov>. See page 2 for more information. No Neighborhood and/or Homeowner Associations, Westside Coalition of NA’s; 15EPC-40028, Project #1003658; Approximately 1.698 acres located on the east side of Alameda Boulevard NW (NM 528) between Corrales Road NW and Ellison Drive NW; A-14; Myers, McCready & Myers, P.C. at 505-247-9080, agent for Reposado, LLC; Requests an Amendment to the Site Development Plan for for Building Permit to retain parking spaces for restaurant use with full liquor license; Maggie Gould at 505-924-3910, e-mail: <mgould@cabq.gov>. continued on page 13
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Neighborhood News - July/August 2015 Planning Department Submitted By Dalaina Carmona
EPC - continued from page 12 Southeast
Annual Reports Due to ONC
Kirtland Community, San Jose, No Coalition; 15EPC40026, Project #1009090; Approximately 8.355 acres located on the west side of Transport Street SE between Flightway Avenue SE and Sunport Boulevard SE; M-15; Dekker Perich Sabatini at 505-761-9700, agent for Albuquerque Airpark Partners; Requests a Site Development Plan for Building Permit for a proposed new multi-specialty healthcare clinic; Vicente Quevedo at 505-924-3357, e-mail: <vquevedo@cabq.gov>.
Just a reminder: As of this publication date, all recognized and unrecognized neighborhood/ homeowners associations and coalitions need to submit a “Yearly Annual Report Form for Neighborhood, Homeowner Associations and Coalitions” in order to maintain their “R” recognized and/or “active” status on our list.
Juan Tabo Hills, East Gateway Coalition; 15EPC-40025, Project #1001370; Approximately 13.36 acres located on the west side of Juan Tabo Boulevard SE between Open Space/ Tijeras Arroyo and Gallant Fox Road SE; M-21; Hunt and Davis, P.C. at 505-8813191, agent for City of Albuquerque, Open Space Division; Request a Site Development Plan for Subdivision for a new public street crossing the Open Space tract to provide access; Maggie Gould at 505-924-3910, e-mail: <mgould@cabq.gov>.
We will need the original Annual Report and a copy of the announcement of your Annual Meeting submitted to our office before your Annual Report will be approved for the year. Please make sure that you have the correct contact information (i.e., addresses, name, phone numbers and e-mail address) listed for your officers on your Annual Report. Please call Dalaina at 505-924-3914 if you have any questions. Please mail to:
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The City of Albuquerque does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, disability, age, gender, Vietnam Era or disabled verteran status, sexual orientation or medical condition in employment or in the profision of servies. If you have a disability and will need special assistance to benefit from any of the meetings, hearings or workshops, etc., appearing in the newsletter contact the office sponsoring the event two weeks prior to the date of the meeting you plan to attend Whenever possible, TTY phone numbers will be listed. TTY users may call any phone number listed in this publication via Relay New Mexico at 1-800-659-8331.
Office of Neighborhood Coordination Attn: Dalaina Carmona 600 Second Street NW 4th Floor, Room 440 Albuquerque, NM 87102
Annual Meeting January February March April May June July August September October November December
Due to ONC April 1 May 1 June 1 July 1 August 1 September 1 October 1 November 1 December 1 January 1 February 1 March 1
FYI: If you post your “Annual Meeting” date on your NA Marquee please take a picture as that will be your proof of notification to ONC when filing your Annual Report Form. Please PRINT all information clearly.
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Neighborhood News - July/August 2015
Planning Department
Submitted by Mikaela Renz-Whitmore
ABC-Z UPDATE “ABC to Z” is an ambitious project to update the Albuquerque/ Bernalillo County Comprehensive Plan (“ABC Comp Plan”) and overhaul the City’s zoning and development framework. Comp Plan Workshop #4 NW Quadrant: June 24
Comp Plan Update COMP PLAN UPDATE June Community Workshops In June more than 200 Albuquerque residents attended community workshops and stakeholder meetings to update the ABC Comp Plan. Led by Fregonese Associates, the workshops included a presentation of demographic and transportation trends, an instant poll (mirroring the online survey, whose results are available here <http://abc-zone.com/abc-z-community-survey-1>) and a small group visioning exercise. During the visioning exercise, tables of six to ten people placed stickers on a base map representing their ideas for housing, commercial or mixed use development, parks, open space and public facilities. In addition, participants could indicate areas they did not want to see change or develop, along with drawing in additional roads, bike lanes or other infrastructure they thought was needed. Each table presented a map to the entire group at the end of each workshop.
Comp Plan Workshop #5 - SW Quadrant: June 24
Comp Plan Workshop #6 - NE Quadrant: June 25 Comp Plan Workshop #3 SE Quadrant: June 23 continued on page 15
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Neighborhood News - July/August 2015 ABC-Z Update - continued from page 14
A short survey is available online intended to highlight key recommendations from the Zoning Diagnosis and gauge support for new approaches <http://abc-zone.com/zoning-diagnosis-survey>.
Many thanks to the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center, Unser Central Library, Alamosa Community Center and Holiday Park Community Center for hosting these free workshops. Also, big kudos to all the community members who participated, including individuals from the following neighborhood associations: • Academy Estates East •Inez • Albuquerque Meadows •La Mesa • Alvarado Gardens •Los Duranes • Classic Uptown •Los Griegos • East Gateway •Mossman • Grande Heights •Near North Valley • High Desert •North Albuquerque Acres • Highland •Nob Hill • Quigley Park •Sandia High School Area • S.R. Marmon •Silver Hill • North Eastern •Singing Arrow
Thanks to those who got comments to us by June 30. We’ll use all comments to help draft the first module of the IDO in the coming months. However, please feel free to send any feedback and/or important issues at any time that the project team should consider moving forward. Next Steps The next step in the IDO process is to propose base zoning districts that would replace the current zoning categories and basic standards for buildings and site development. Watch for public meeting dates about this in early fall 2015.
Next Steps – FOCUS GROUPS and PUBLIC MEETINGS Currently, Fregonese Associates is digitizing all the maps created during the community workshops for review on the project page. We will also post results of the instant polling and survey as soon as they are compilied. Maps from all six workshops will be used to create potential scenarios for how future growth should happen in the County/ City which will guide updates to goals, policies and implementation priorities in the ABC Comp Plan. In addition, the project team has scheduled a series of 22 focus groups on specific topics in July. These are working sessions for agency staff that are open to the public, limited only by the size of the room. To see a list of topics, please visit <http:// abc-zone.com/next-steps-comp-plan>. Please RSVP for focus groups so we can be sure to have enough space <http://abc-zone.com/events>. The City will also host two public meetings with a general presentation about the Comp Plan and lots of time for questions and answers. Learn More
General Input: Comp Plan 101 / Q & A Public Meeting on Tuesday, July 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Plaza del Sol Building, 600 2nd Street NW, Basement Hearing Room.
For more information and to sign up for updates please visit the project webpage: <www.abc-zone.com> or visit us on Facebook at <https://www.facebook.com/abctozoning>.
Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO)
Answers to FAQs are at <http://www.abc-zone.com/faqpage>.
Zoning Diagnosis Clarion Associates has prepared a document that identifies problems with our current regulatory framework, discusses best practices and recommends improvements for the IDO. The document is still available for review and comments on the project webpage <http://abc-zone.com/ido-zoning-diagnosis-best-practices-and-outline-public-draft-review>.
Even more questions? Contact Mikaela Renz-Whitmore, Project Planner, by e-mail <mrenz@cabq.gov> or by calling 505-924-3932.
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Neighborhood News - July/August 2015
Neighborhood News is published monthly by the Office of Neighborhood Coordination (ONC), a division of the Planning Department, City of Albuquerque. Articles and information from neighborhood associations and others are welcome. ONC reserves the right to edit and/or reject any submissions.
City of Albuquerque Richard J. Berry, Mayor Robert J. Perry, Chief Administrative Officer Planning Department Suzanne Lubar, Planning Director Brennon Williams, Acting Associate Director Office of Neighborhood Coordination Staff Stephani Winklepleck, Neighborhood Liaison Dalaina Carmona, Senior Administrative Assistant Newsletter Editor: Dalaina Carmona (Please send submissions as e-mail attachments in a word document to: dlcarmona@cabq.gov and swinklepleck@cabq.gov). Questions or Comments - direct them to: City of Albuquerque Planning Department Office of Neighborhood Coordination, Room 440 Plaza del Sol Building, 600 Second Street NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 Phone: 505-924-3914 1-800-659-8331 (TTY) Fax: 505-924-3913 City of Albuquerque website: <www.cabq.gov>
Related ONC Links URL for printable Annual Report Form (pdf): <www.cabq.gov/planning/documents/ONCAnnualReportForm0413. pdf> URL for neighborhood association individual maps: <http://data.cabq.gov/community/neighborhoods/pdf/> URL for “Neighborhood News” ONC newsletter: <www.cabq.gov/planning/residents/neighborhood-newsletter> URL for current Department Directors List: <www.cabq.gov/planning/documents/DeptDirectorsList060613.pdf> URL for Important Telephone Numbers List: <www.cabq.gov/planning/documents/ImpTeleph060613.pdf> URL for On-going Sector Plans and other Planning Projects: <www.cabq.gov/planning/our-department/urban-design-and-development/planning/residents/sector-development-plan-updates> URL for Building and Safety Permit/Application Information: <www.cabq.gov/planning/our-department/building-safety>
Upon request, the Neighborhood News is available in alternative formats. The Neighborhood News can be accessed at the City’s Website: <www.cabq.gov/planning/residents/neighborhood-newsletter>. (Available in HTML/PDF files, including archived editions.)