ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s a problem property in southeast Albuquerque that for years, has been desperately in need of new life. Now, the city is asking for ideas on what to do with the long-vacant lot.
The Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) is accepting proposals for the vacant lot, hoping to improve the neighborhood. Some neighbors hope more housing or community services can be brought to the three-acre spot.
“Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a building on that property? Multi-story. Bottom floors are all service providers and upper stories are all housing for people,” said neighbor Charles Ivy.
Those are just some ideas neighbors have for the city-owned property on San Mateo near Kathryn. The lot has been vacant and full of weeds. Now, the MRA hopes the property can be developed into something to give the neighborhood a boost. The agency has gathered ideas from the public and is inviting prospective developers to share potential plans before they call for formal proposals.
“This helps us, as an agency, figure out where the community is interested and what kind of things they’d like to see on this particular property,” said ABQ MRA Director Terry Brunner.
The city said the nearby community has expressed a desire to see a grocery store, retail, or childcare on the lot. Meanwhile, the director of a nearby learning center said she wants to see the area focused on healthcare.
“We don’t have a public health service here that adequately supports folks who are unhoused. We have a lot of issues around that, and we need connections,” said Albuquerque Adult Learning Center Executive Director Gloria Rael.
In May, part of the same property was turned into the headquarters for the Albuquerque Community Safety Department to help with homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues.
While the city has plans to use part of the property for a community market, there is still lots of room for other amenities which the city said could create jobs and add more housing.
This comes as the area saw major retail closures over the last year with Walmart and Walgreens just up San Mateo Boulevard shut their doors.
“We hope that by going in there, you’re taking advantage of some opportunities to see some new development but it also kind of entices some other growth to come in,” said Brunner.
The process for submitting ideas opened up about two weeks ago. They can be made until September 18.
