City Council District Six Coalition of Neighborhood Associations
600 San Pablo St NE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 2008
For further information contact Nancy Bearce
Coalition President (505) 254-7841
SE Heights Neighborhood Groups Issue Recommendations for Expo NM
ALBUQUERQUE - As part of the RFI process and in anticipation of the Governor’s visit to Expo NM this Friday at 1:30 pm at the African American Performing Arts Center, surrounding neighborhood groups and elected officials have outlined several desired themes to help guide Expo New Mexico's future planning. Earlier last month, 23 citizens representing 7 neighborhood associations, 4 organizations and 5 public officials gathered for a brainstorming session and are pleased to make the following recommendations. Ideas for a new plan for Expo NM include:
1. Keep the State Fair
2. Provide more job opportunities for area residents and be an asset for creating a
community economic engine
3. Incorporate “Best of " ideas from other cities, i.e. Central Park, NYC;
Millennium Park, Chicago; Soulard Market, St. Louis
4. Be an International/Cultural Destination (cultural centers, sister city cultures,
International Consulate offices, etc.)
5. Include a Rt 66/Central Avenue Promenade
6. Home to a Permanent Grower’s Market/Flea Market (open, inviting, public) such as
the Soulard Market, St. Louis
7. Be a Daily and Year-round Destination including Retail, Restaurants and
Government Offices
8. Provide Year-round Family recreation that is community supported and include all
age activities for children, teens, adults and elders
9. Provide Green Open walkways, lighted and no walls
10. A World Class Event Center like O2 in London that is multi-functional
11. Incorporate thoughtful mixed use planning with a parking garage, gate re-designs,
multi-modal transportation, workable traffic flows, and safe
12. Use Green Building and alternative energy, i.e. solar panels on the covered
grower’s market structure and utilize local companies
13. Include Athletic Fields for a variety of community sports such as soccer, Little
League, etc
14. Include an Equestrian Center, depending on Mesa Del Sol plans
15. Exclude ideas for established long-term housing but consider State Fair housing
and ‘artist in residence’ programs like the Santa Fe Opera
16. Follow a process that permanently includes Neighborhoods and other stakeholders
" The Fairgrounds re-development will impact area residents and neighborhoods for 50 years or more. The Governor is well served by having engaged citizens, their sharing of ideas and the value of their input," says Nancy Bearce, Coalition President.
"What to do with Expo NM was an important issue in the recent primary, I'm pleased our district is proactively voicing its ideas. I'm looking forward to working on this in the legislature," says State Senate District 17 Senator - Elect Tim Keller.
"I am excited to work with the Governor and community leaders on promoting a re-vitalized and vibrant Expo New Mexico that will serve the local neighborhoods as well as the entire state,” says State Representative Al Park, District 26.
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Friday, August 8, 2008
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