ELDORADO CROSSING (MONTGOMERY & JUAN TABO)
 
Eldorado Crossing:  On Tuesday, 4 December, some of us attended a Town Hall meeting at Eldorado High that covered the some of the planning that has been done to improve the environment in the Montgomery and Juan Tabo area.  The firm of Dekker, Perich & Sabatini has taken the inputs from previous public meetings and put together a very nice plan that improves the looks, safety, and "feel" of the area.  The consensus of those who attended was that the project should go ahead.  Funding may be the holdup -- the total project (6 sections) is estimated to cost about 2.5 million.  -- Pat Dooley    [SEE ARTICLE BELOW FOR BACKGROUND.]
Creating a Mixed Use Activity Center in Albuquerque's Foothills
by Councilman Greg Payne and City Planner Bob McCabe

 The City of Albuquerque is proud of its long history. Over the past three hundred years, our community has expanded from a small agricultural village to a major city. As Albuquerque grew, it was evident that we had several different communities within our city. Some communities are identified by historical settlement, some by landmarks, and some by the surrounding natural environment. 

In 1995, the Albuquerque City Council initiated the Community-Based Planning Program. This program is designed to provide grass roots planning and service delivery, and to enhance the sense of unique identity in each of ten community planning areas. 

One of the most vibrant communities in the Albuquerque area is also one of the most recently developed. The Foothills area is proud and appreciative of its high mesa environment. Snuggled against the Sandia Mountains, the beauty of this area is reason for celebration. Residents of the area enjoy unique shops, restaurants, health and fitness centers, recreation, entertainment, and business venues. The district has an active coalition of neighborhood associations, excellent schools and recreational opportunities, and vast vistas. 

The heart of the Foothills area is the activity center at and near the intersection of Montgomery and Juan Tabo. Because of the varied and popular businesses and restaurants, and the close proximity of residential areas, neighboring residents, businesses and city officials envision an activity center that will serve as a model for other communities in the metropolitan area. Along with providing the community with a casual meeting place to shop and conduct business, this activity center has the potential to help strengthen the identity of the community.

Residents and businesses look forward to a pedestrian friendly experience that will serve a multigenerational clientele. The opportunity for social interchange in a relaxed environment promotes a sense of place and encourages customers to return. A safe and pleasant atmosphere attracts patrons from other areas of the city. The ability to safely walk from one area of the center to another, instead of driving, is healthy for humans and the environment. 

Listed below are some steps that would enhance the existing activity center:

  • A name identifying the area.
  • Signage, gateway, art to identify the area.
  • Street redesign to accommodate pedestrians.
  • Connective paths/sidewalks.
  • Landscaping.
  • Creative and attractive parking areas.
  • Transit shelters.
  • Performance venue, i.e. band shell, permanent stage.
  • Employment infill to help support businesses. 
The existing structures located in the Montgomery and Juan Tabo area for the most part are in good condition. Recent property improvements and the general condition of existing properties create a viable project. The project will rejuvenate existing businesses and attract new business. It will create a sense of place for the Foothills community and serve as a model for the metropolitan area. It will however, require the financial support of both the private and public sectors. 

The organizing group for the project, headed by City Councilor Greg Payne, has met with business owners and property managers to discuss the feasibility and steps to begin the project. A public meeting will be held in early December to obtain input from the business and residential stakeholders of the area. From that meeting, a technical team comprised of public and private members will begin working with property managers and consultants.
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