Between Atrisco and Old Coors

Michelle Worley, L&LNM Blogs Abq's Central Avenue
On Christmas Eve, L&LNM met with Mary Driscoll near Atrisco and Central. Mary has lived in this 'hood for a long time and has seen the changes over the years. She has kept up with community news about A.R.T. and its effects on local businesses. She, too, is concerned that a rapid transit system like this is too much for Abq and unnecessary. Mary was kind enough to walk with us and share her experiences living in the area. 

One story we heard was that of a local favorite, El Charritos. A.R.T. is making them first, move their sign, and then cut their already small parking lot by 6 or so spaces. The city will reimburse them part of the cost but the majority of it will have to be paid by the restaurant. REALLY? Should they have to pay for any of it?

Mary pointed out two or three empty buildings that promise to soon be in business but who knows if that will really happen. She told us of businesses that moved once, twice, because of A.R.T. and still lost or went out of business. For rent signs abound. 

As well as it being xmas eve, it was a Saturday so there was no construction and probably less traffic than usual. I appreciated the quiet to hear Mary's stories. 

We plan to drive through this area soon, during a regular business day, and see what happens. Cone-wise, it looks a lot like what we've been seeing on east Central. It's easy to imagine what it's like during rush hour on a Wednesday. 

The Numbers
Between Atrisco and Coors, we counted 49 (88%) in-businesses and 7 (12%) out-of-businesses. For the entire distance we've covered so far, we have counted 695 total businesses, 537 (77%) of which are in business and 158 (23%) of which are out of business.
Next Steps
We are thinking that we will meet every other Saturday and invite others to join us. We'll be doing our usual unorganized blogging in between but it is nice when people from the 'hoods we blog are there to tell their stories.

The next time we will blog will be Saturday, January 7, 2017, at 1:00 pm. Don't know where yet. We'll let you know.

Central from Girard to Yale

Michelle Worley, L&LNM Blogs Abq's Central Avenue
Mariah, Danny, and I decided on the spur of the moment to blog Central a little while we were out and about. We walked between Girard and Yale, the UNM 'hood. This is another area where there are more in-businesses than out-of's, littered with shops that cater especially to the college student. 

I earned both of my degrees from UNM, and I have fond memories of being a UNM student. I feel the nostalgia when I'm on campus but not so much when I'm walking Central in front of UNM. It's just an A.R.T. mess, and when you look up University, the nightmare only gets worse. 

But it's the winter break so it isn't as bad as it would be if school were still in session. That's about all I have to say about this stretch of Central. It's a quiet week for blogging. 

The Numbers
Between Girard and Yale, we counted 39 (93%) in-businesses and 3 (7%) out-of-businesses. For the entire distance we've covered so far, we have counted 639 total businesses, 488 (76%) of which are in business and 151 (24%) of which are out of business.

Christmas Eve Blogging near Atrisco
L&LNM (Kelsey, Danny, Mariah, Jesse, and Michelle) will be blogging the Atrisco 'hood this Saturday, Christmas Eve, at 1:00. We will meet at the Monte Carlo parking lot. Join us if you can!

L&LNM Blogs Central Between Carlisle and Girard

Today, Kelsey and I L&LNM blogged Abq's Central Avenue between Carlisle and Girard. We had a nice time. There was no wind, it wasn't cold, and this is an area with lots of neat little shops, getting close to the UNM campus. We might go back and do a little shopping.

When we tally, we take note of those buildings we are unsure about and look them up when we get home. Max's Magic Shop and Theatre and Skyway Trading are two. Max's looks to be in business, and Skyway has a sign in the door saying their office hours are 11 - 1 for UPS and other deliveries. But it looks empty and out of business. 

There are several nightclubs and dinner restaurants, only open in the late afternoon/evening to the wee morning hours. 

There are some buildings we wondered about -- they looked like they had businesses, or out-of-businesses, on the bottom level but condos perhaps on the upper levels. Are those condos occupied fully, or close to fully? Does anyone know?

We saw some amazing street art that we will post more of on Facebook as well as more photos of interesting buildings. 

The Numbers
Between Carlisle and Girard, we counted 76 (87%) in-businesses and 11 (13%) out-of-businesses. For the entire distance we've covered so far, we have counted 597 total businesses, 449 (75%) of which are in business and 148 (25%) of which are out of business. I have to admit, the numbers are looking better. 

Next Steps 
We will be blogging the Atrisco area this Saturday, Christmas Eve, at 1:00. We will meet at the Monte Carlo parking lot. Anyone who wants to join us is welcome. 

Central Avenue -- Change Can be Good

Joaquin Baca, guest blogging for L&LNM Blogs Abq's Central Avenue

I walked from 10th street to Central and Lomas.  This is an interesting section. Not too long ago it was restriped from 2 lanes in each direction with a center turn lane, to 1 lane in each direction, bike lanes, parking and no center turns.  

I wasn’t sure how that was going to affect Central but after it was done, it made for a nicer driving experience due to slower traffic. I know that seems contradictory.  I drove during rush hour in order to experience traffic, and then walked the next day to count in/out businesses. The traffic was minimal and walking went ok despite the construction. 

Currently, a lot of construction is going on due to ART. It would be nice if it wasn’t stopped for the holidays and could be finished. I also wonder where they would be if work hadn’t been stalled for two months because of litigation.  

The Numbers
The numbers for this stretch are 47 (90%) in-businesses, including 11 condos/apt/houses, and 5 (10%) out-of-businesses. I added housing because ultimately people make a community, and the more people that live on Central the better it will be.  
[For the entire distance we've covered so far, we have counted 510 total businesses, 373 (73%) of which are in business and 137 (27%) of which are out of business. -- L&LNM]

Change Can be Good
An enormous amount has changed on this stretch over the years. I remember the curandera shop, the old bus station, empty lots, and apartments that burned down.  In their place now are quite a few new apartments and condos, restaurants, and businesses.  It looks like this area will be a walkable, thriving part of Central once the construction is done.

Having spent a good part of my youth in this part of town, I definitely feel a sense of loss over what no longer exists or what may soon disappear.  I definitely don’t agree with everything I see, but a lot of it is positive (including ART).  


Central is changing -- it always has been -- and I am hopeful that the growing pains we are feeling now are part of the revitalization of Central, our communities, and our city.

Mourning Abq's Route 66

Michelle Worley, L&LNM Blogs Abq's Central Avenue

Working on this project has been eye opening but also totally depressing. I've been trying so hard to embrace Abq Rapid Transit but that is hard to do. All I've learned about A.R.T. as I've been blogging Central is that it is hell bent on destroying a unique and highly valued part of the city's history -- Route 66 -- for the sole purpose of making money. 

I  listen to those businessmen who say that A.R.T will bring business to Abq but honestly, they are only bringing business to a select few. It's political, no doubt. Someone is making BIG money on this. 

I won't say more about that. I want to look at this from a non-political perspective, the perspective of someone who has grown up in NM, went to UNM, and drove up and down Central. 

I want to talk about it from the perspective of the person who loves NM and its history and wants to see Route 66 make a comeback, a very wise business decision by the way. It would bring tourism to the state and we would make connections with other Rt. 66 states. 

There is talk about a Rt. 66 museum on the west side but that's not the same thing. It really isn't, not when we could have a living museum that runs across Abq, one that everyone can enjoy simply by driving up Central. 

I'm mourning the loss of Central. I'm sad and angry because it has already been destroyed and we can't bring it back -- all so a few businessmen/politicians can make some money. 
I'll end this post here. I needed to get this off my chest. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. 

Today, I plan to turn my thoughts to the Turquoise Trail. If anything can take my mind of the ugliness of A.R.T., it's the beauty of the Turquoise Trail. Go New Mexico!

Between San Mateo and San Pedro

Michelle Worley, L&LNM Blogs Abq's Central Avenue

Today, Kelsey, Danny, and I blogged Central Avenue between San Pedro and San Mateo. It was a quick walk, most of it on the road because A.R.T. construction is destroying the sidewalks. We had cones to protect us from traffic. 

Except for the Trade Winds Plaza (where Bob's Burgers is), there weren't that many out-of-businesses on this short stretch of Central. On another post about the Trade Winds Plaza, I reported 2 in-businesses and 14 out-of's but today there was one suite that had activity so we decided to call it an in-business. 

Then there is the Bank of the West tower, which looks out of business but when I googled it on arriving home, I discovered that some State offices are housed there. It looks like a creepy place to work, if you ask me. Is anyone who works there reading this? Is it creepy? 

We weren't sure about Fareast Fuzion either but it looks like it is an in-business. If I remember a reader's comment on this building correctly,  it used to be the Casa Luna Pizzeria. 

There were a couple of long-empty lots that we just didn't count at all as either in or out as they had no For Sale/Rent signs. 

A reader commented on another post that the old hotels on Central will all be gone within three years but for now, the ones we saw are in operation so we counted them as such.

The Numbers
Between San Mateo and San Pedro, we counted 23 (62%) in-businesses and 14 (38%) out-of-businesses. For the entire distance we've covered so far, we have counted 458 total businesses, 326 (71%) of which are in business and 132 (29%) of which are out of business.

Abq's Central Avenue -- Louisiana to San Pedro

Michelle Worley, L&LNM Blogs Abq's Central Avenue. Yesterday, we quickly blogged Central between Louisiana and San Pedro. It was 2:00 in the afternoon but I can count on one hand the number of pedestrians we saw out and about.

Many businesses in this area have signs up, telling us to ring the bell for service. Doors are locked. This area also houses the state fairgrounds and casino. 

This is the hood that has the lapidary shop I have been curious about. I was thinking it is an out-of-business but it has a sign telling us to go to the open gems and minerals store next door for help so we counted it as an in-business. 

I noticed in the door of Studio D, a person I assume is an employee or perhaps owner, just standing there watching the construction. Same thing at Central Tires, employees just standing out in their parking lot, blocked off and isolated by A.R.T. 

I'm at the point where I feel the need to go in and ask people who work at the in-businesses for their stories. I haven't yet. I don't know why. This project is getting to me. It's a sad story. I'm not sure I'm ready for more. 

Second shout out for help
We have put out one call for help on this project and have heard NOTHING back! That's okay. It's all good. I've had a lot  of experience getting less than great responses to my calls for help. 

But think about it if you are a college student looking for a great research project, or if you are someone who loves Abq and Central Avenue and history and sharing stories. 

A.R.T. is moving too fast for us to blog Central and capture its history. We need to cover ground more quickly. If you can help, even by just taking photos, commenting, and sharing, let us know. 

The Numbers
For the stretch of Central between Louisiana and San Pedro, we counted 25 (74%) in-businesses and 9 (26%) out-of-businesses. For the entire distance we've covered so far, we have counted 421 total businesses, 303 (72%) of which are in business and 118 (28%) out of business.
That's all for today. It's bitter cold out there, New Mexico. Be safe. Stay warm.

L&LNM Blogs Abq Central Avenue -- Nob Hill

Michelle Worley, L&LNM Blogs Abq's Central Avenue.

Yesterday, we blogged Central between Washington and Carlisle. This is the hood that suffered a major fire a couple of weeks ago, which affected not only the condos that were being built but two adjacent businesses.

When the fire happened, it was reported that those two businesses would be closed for the following weekend. I'll tell you that at least one of those still hasn't opened.

We did notice that there will be a bike shop opening up soon, a good thing. There are some nice art galleries in the area, tucked back away from the street. And there was an open workspace that was dark and seemed unused.

Yesterday was windy, which could explain the incredible lack of pedestrian traffic. I know that this weekend, too, there are lots of events happening in Nob Hill -- the Twinkle Light Parade, Shop and Strolls, etc. Hopefully, there will be people everywhere then.

Signs
I have, like many, a love of old signs, which has been enhanced by this project. Reader comments on one FB post connected to today's excursion (the Mind of the World sign) led to the discovery that the sign was actually a student project where they took old signs and turned them into art. Now I am looking into that for more detail. If anyone knows anything, please comment. 

The sign shown with this post is another out-of-business. They had a handwritten notice on their door, apologizing for having to shut down. Another business had a sign on the door saying they have relocated to Taos.

The Numbers
For the stretch of Central between Washington and Carlisle, we counted 44 (63%) in-businesses and 26 (37%) out-of-businesses. For the entire distance we've covered so far, we have counted 387 total businesses, 278 (72%) of which are in business and 109 (28%) out of business.

HELP!
We are loving this project but A.R.T. threatens its completion. We need to tally businesses before they are destroyed by the construction. I'm hearing about stuff happening on west Central and feel like we won't get there soon enough.

 So I'm asking for help. This would be an amazing research project for college students or anyone who loves Abq and wants to record the history of Central Avenue.
We could form teams to cover different hoods along the road. We could research more deeply, even conduct interviews with residents, employees, business owners, etc.
What do you think? Are you with me? Please comment.

Could A.R.T. Be a Good Thing?

Michelle Worley, L&LNM Blogs Abq's Central Avenue. Today, we skipped several blocks over to Central and 2nd through 10th streets, accompanied by Joaquin Baca, who wanted to show us that Abq Rapid Transit could be a good thing for Central.

He has some pretty good arguments that were supported by some pretty good examples from these neighborhoods. Joaquin explained that the way neighborhoods are designed helps build communities. In recent years, more housing has been provided by converting empty buildings to condos, creating new construction, and combining businesses with housing.

A coffee shop, for example, in the lower level of an apartment complex attracts the residents of the apartments. They hang out and get to know each other. They even plan neighborhood events. That's a good thing.

Joaquin is a perfect example of how this works. He lives downtown, takes his kids to school on the City D-Ride bus, and walks to work. He also regularly uses the Rail Runner to visit family in Belen. He drives his car every two weeks or so.

Now that I understand better how communities are formed in areas like this, I can see better how A.R.T., one of the final stages of this neighborhood revitalization effort, could be a good thing but I still don't think it needs to be on such a grand scale, not for Abq.

Let's flip this thing
In our other L&LNM blog, Building a Nonprofit, I've talked many times about "flipping" things, or approaching a situation from another perspective. The idea came from the Khan Academy flipped classroom concept. So let's look at A.R.T. from a different angle and make it something positive.

L&LNM believes that we need to live sustainably and quit destroying the planet by using gas and oil. A.R.T. will provide public transportation (I'd love to see it do that in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.) that we really need to start embracing. We can't continue to drive, one person per car, to every destination. We must change. So ride the bus! Ride the Rail Runner! Ride your bike! Walk!

Why Central?
When I asked why this project has to happen on Central, Joaquin made another good point. Central has some key business hubs, including Presbyterian and UNM, that attract people and create jobs.
Those institutions could benefit from A.R.T., perhaps, in the form of fewer parking problems and parking fees. That would be a great relief to students, faculty/staff, and patients. Public transportation is also a good place to get to know others in your community.

The numbers
This area has many more in-businesses than out-of's. Counting was a little wonky as there are several instances of the lower floor of a building being out of business with the floors above containing fully inhabited apartments.

We counted a total of 69 businesses. Sixty of them, or 87%, are in business, and nine of them, or 13%, are out of business -- a great contrast to what we have seen so far on east Central. It seems the efforts put forth to revitalize these neighborhoods are paying off. I hope we will see other hoods like this as we move forward.

That brings the numbers for the area covered between Tramway and 10th (minus from Louisiana to 2nd, which we haven't covered yet) to 317. Of that, 234 (74%) are in business and 83 (26%) are out of business.

 That's all I've got for today. We will try to put a call out soon to let you know when we will next be blogging Central. Anyone who wants to join us is welcome, especially if you have stories to tell!

Blogging Pennsylvania to Louisiana

Michelle Worley, L&LNM Blogs Central Avenue. Yesterday was really not the day to go out and witness A.R.T. in action, not after having to deal with the outcome of this farce of an election. It all turned out to be totally depressing. But we did it anyway. So I guess I'll write about it.

Danny and I walked between Pennsylvania and Wyoming. There were few pedestrians out, and those who were honestly made me a little nervous.

It seemed to me that most of the people gathered at the bus stops were not there to ride but to catch some sleep or enjoy the company of others out on the street. That is probably how it's always been, as a reader commented on another post about the empty buses -- that the buses have always been empty, not just now with the construction.

Because Central is so empty of people, the trash littering the sidewalks and street is more noticeable. Danny didn't bring his skateboard so I had him tally while I took photos.

Side by side, we quickly counted the number of in-businesses and out-of's and then we got outta there and drove further west along Central to 12th, where I needed to go to get a book I ordered from the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (The Pueblo Food Experience Cookbook -- signed!).

I took photos along the way. I have to face the fact that all Abq streets, not just Central, are cluttered with closed up businesses and For Rent/For Sale signs. We didn't talk much as we took the interstate back to Cedar Crest.

The numbers
Today's numbers are 22 (65%) in-businesses and 12 (35%) out-of's. For the entire length between Tramway and Louisiana, we have counted 248 total businesses, 174 (70%) of which are in business and 74 (30%) of which are out of business.

Today's photos are of an out-of-business and a going-out-of-business (has it already gone out?) we saw along the way. Comments always welcome as long as they are respectful.

Future blogging
We still hope that readers will join us as we blog Central. We are planning to pull something together the week of November 14. It's hard working out our school and work schedules.

In the meantime, if anyone out there sees a location that might go under before we visit, please take photos and share. Or let us know and we will go out and explore.

Blogging Wyoming to Pennsylvania

Michelle Worley, blogging Abq's Central Avenue. On this Saturday, Mariah, Danny, and I headed out to Central and Wyoming to pick up where we left off last time.

Bea's 
First, this is the hood that has the old Bea's Restaurant. I have been looking forward to walking by this building and taking photos. Turns out that, although this restaurant has been closed a while, there is a Bea's 2 on Zuni just a little ways away. In fact, you can see it from Central. And it is doing fine, according to my google search. I think I should definitely visit. It gets good reviews for its authentic NM dishes. 

Delgado's Photography
The little shop once known as Delgado's Photography was so sad to me. I think it's the signs. I can't tell when it was last in business but it's been a while. Does anyone know anything about it? 

There was one out-of-business motel and one that is still in business. We also saw one auto business that was open but had a For Sale sign up. There aren't as many auto businesses on this leg of the journey. 

The Numbers
Today, we covered Central between Wyoming and Pennsylvania. There are 28 businesses. Twenty (71%) of them are in business, and eight (29%) are out of business. The total for the entire length between Tramway and Pennsylvania is 214 total, with 152 in business and 62 out of. The percentages are the same. We seem to have a trend going.

Join Us!
Some of our readers have said they'd like to join us on our walks when we get to their hoods. Great idea! Anyone is welcome to join us anywhere along the line. We are going to start announcing on our website where we will be each day we walk and what time. This means we have to start being more organized. That is a challenge. Stay tuned. 

A Little to the West of University

Michelle Worley, L&LNM Blogs Abq's Central Avenue. Today, I dropped Kelsey off for her class at UNM and then explored the university area to see how A.R.T. was affecting things. It was super windy so I didn't walk. I drove and tried to take pix while stopped in traffic, which turned out to be quite often. 

I went a few blocks west of University and headed back on Central. The flashing red light on Girard and Central from a few days ago was gone and the traffic light was working again so traffic in front of UNM was moving slowly but fairly smoothly.

However, it was still too slow and I started looking for detours. I decided to cut over to Lead or Coal, whichever one goes east, and that turned out to be a mistake. They are putting in roundabouts on the back streets at the same time that Central is being slammed by construction. 

side street under construction near UNM

Some of the back streets are closed off entirely for a block or two. The sides streets on which people park are nightmares because, with everyone turning onto them to avoid Central, everything gets clogged up and two-way traffic can't happen. 
It's ridiculous and especially so when I hear that the federal money everyone is counting on to fund A.R.T. is not a done deal, that it could be denied. What happens if it is denied? 

I made my way through the maze of streets back to Stanford. By that time, it was time to pick Kelsey up. Stanford was not closed. Thank goodness someone used common sense on that one. 

The photo below is one of a building at 1303 Central that seems to have been out of business for a long long time. Does anyone know what it was and when it was operating? I googled it but only found its value and property tax amount. 

1303 Central NE

That's all I've got for today. We plan to go out again soon and pick up where we left off at Wyoming. I'm looking out my window at a rainy afternoon, unusual for New Mexico but as we always say, "We need the moisture." Enjoy it while it lasts. 

Zuni to Wyoming

Michelle Worley here, blogging Central Avenue for Live and Learn New Mexico (L&LNM).  I want to remind readers that this project started out simply looking at how many businesses on Central have gone out of business in the last 20 years or so. I also wanted to hear from readers who have lived and worked in the areas I talk about, and I am. Love all the stories!

Then A.R.T. construction began fast and furious and I realized I had to take it into account as I made my way across Central. So it became a two-part project -- one part looking at the past to see what happened to cause so many businesses to go out of business, the other part looking at how A.R.T. will affect existing businesses down the line. The first part is the most important to me and I feel the need to document it before A.R.T. destroys everything I'm looking at. 

Today's leg of the journey
Okay, let's get to today's blogging. This evening, Danny and I blogged between Zuni and Wyoming. One effect A.R.T. has had on Central is on pedestrian traffic. There is almost none. There used to always be people on both sides of the road and groups gathered at the bus stops. But it has become a ghost town. Where are all the people? (It's the same in front of UNM, where A.R.T. construction is going hard and heavy. Very few people are out walking on Central. Where are all the students?) 

Danny rides his skateboard while I tally in- and out-of-businesses. There are two strip malls, one with all but one suite in business, and the other about half in- and half out-of-business. One had a laundromat, the other a massage place and a smoke shop, the types of businesses we are seeing a lot of on Central, all around town, really. There was one apartment building and the Luna Lodge as well. 

The numbers
For the Zuni-Wyoming stretch, we counted 21 in-businesses and 9 out-of's. For the entire stretch so far, from Tramway to Wyoming, we have 186 businesses, 132 (71%) of which are in business and 54 (29%) of which are out of business. 

Obviously, some of these buildings we post have been closed for a long time. I'm hoping readers will know something about them and share their stories. Thanks to those who are already doing just that. We are learning so much! Go New Mexico!

Eubank to Zuni

Mariah, Danny, and I blogged a little today on Central. We walked between Eubank and Zuni. You would think Sundays would be quiet and laid back but this was the first day that I actually thought I was going to be mugged. 

A guy ran out to ask for a dollar and it startled me, the way he ran at me. I gave him a dollar, he thanked me and left. Mariah was ready with her pen to stab him if necessary. I was prepared to swing my new, heavy camera at his head, and Danny had his skateboard. I'm happy to report we didn't have to hurt anyone. 

When we were walking back past the same spot, I noticed two police officers on foot on a side street and wondered if they had been there when I gave the guy a dollar. We saw those officers later on the other side of the street. Hmmm.

Okay, back to the point of this blog, to tally the number of in- and out-of-businesses along Central. All along Central, but especially in the area we were in today, there are a lot of auto sales/repair businesses, and it was difficult to tell if some are still in operation or not. It looked like a couple are still in business but not planning to stay that way. They had cars for sale but not a lot, like they were just getting rid of their inventory. So we counted them as in-businesses -- for now. 

Otherwise, there were a lot more in-businesses than out-of's on this part of our journey. Will it stay that way as rapid transit slithers in? 

The numbers
Let's go over the numbers so far. For today's stretch, we counted 32 in-businesses and 5 out-of-businesses (around 14%). For the entire stretch we've covered so far, starting at Tramway, there are 156 total businesses. Of those, 111 (71%) are in business, and 45 (29%) are out of business. 

Pictured is the Chips & Salsa Restaurant. I've always liked the sign. I don't know when it was in business -- I  don't remember it from my college days -- but would love to find out so if you know, please comment. My favorite part of this project is sharing memories. It's nostalgia and a love for what is uniquely New Mexico. 

I'm sure we will be going out again soon. I am having a truly excellent time blogging Central Avenue, and it's even more fun as we get more comments. Keep them coming!

New Mexico is Made for Slow Learning

Michelle Worley here, Live and Learn New Mexico! (L&LNM). This is an updated re-post from my first blog, L&LNM: Building a Nonprofit. 

I read Sir Ken Robinson's book, Creative Schools, and it made me think. I had started with a pretty clear picture and goal for L&LNM -- build a nonprofit program to help adults get their GED, learn to speak English better, and/or gain workplace skills. I was going to run my program as a community college-type adult learning program. Simple as that. Creative Schools gave me new ideas.

I figured I had enough money to allow myself a year to get my nonprofit going. I didn't want to rush into anything. I started blogging, which forces me to look a little deeper, and which in turn forces me to slow down and think before I write. I now consider myself a blogger, first and foremost.

During the 2014-15 school year, the standardized testing debate raged, and I became interested in advocating for teachers, having been one myself. I blogged about it and made the plea to give teachers their power back. That is when my ideas about how I wanted to run L&LNM and the philosophy behind what we do began to expand. I started to focus on the "learn" in our name.

You can't look at the testing issue without looking at the politics surrounding it, and so I started looking at the opt out movement, the reform movement, the slow learning movement. It was the ideas regarding slow learning that appealed most to me because they were all about learning and community, not education. 

I found myself growing tired of politics and the mindset that our legislators know more than our teachers and parents do. I also started getting tired of test publishers calling the shots. I came to believe that if parents, teachers, and students simply worked together and designed an effective learning environment, we would have no need for laws or politicians.

We don't have to start a revolution, as I thought in the beginning. We just have to concentrate on helping our kids learn and do it the way we think best. I no longer hoped that someone would give teachers their power back; I truly believe teachers can fairly easily take it back themselves.

I found myself wondering if L&LNM needs to rethink its position on the GED and concentrate on learning, pure and simple, by concentrating on NM communities at the local and state levels. The GED is no longer a primary player.

With this idea in mind, I took slow learning to heart and started finding out everything I could about NM. I am enjoying discovering other nonprofits and NM organizations. There are so many incredible people, things, and places here. I began to curate -- like and share posts on Facebook, Blogspot, and other sites to promote other NM nonprofits and local businesses. 

I had a specific goal when I started L&LNM. That led to a slow learning adventure, which is starting to result in a broader, wiser (I hope) vision and a renewed desire to celebrate the awesomeness that is New Mexico. It is a work in progress.

And that's where I'm at for now. I'm living in the east mountains and loving it. As long as it's New Mexico, it's good. It's a beautiful day. Go out today and for the next few days and learn something slowly!

What We've Learned So Far

Michelle Worley here, blogging Central Avenue, Abq, NM. I thought it might be a good time to go over what L&LNM has learned about this stretch of Route 66 so far from our readers who took time to comment. Thanks for doing that by the way. A few of the comments came from our post about Abq rapid transit. 

So far, we have tallied the number of businesses between Tramway and Eubank. People have shared some good stories/memories and also some good explanations of factors that could have led to the downfall of some of the businesses in this area. I was going to recap them but decided I'd copy/paste them in as they can't be said better than by the people who shared them.

Dante said:
I own what was once "The Wheel Smith" on Central and Mesilla street. We bought it after hearing then Mayor Martin Chavez just bought the.old Blue Spruce bar and torn it down and the Talin Market was being built. He mentioned how this area was going to be revitalized. I was so happy that my wife and I bought the wheel smith to open our business there. Boy what a letdown the whole section from Wyoming to San Mateo is a black eye for the city and both Mayors bogus empty promises.

Briana said:

Why start at Tramway and Central....98th and Central is expecting a community to be built close to Central further West . called Santolina..Billions of tax dollars are being spent on a community we don't need...afford...or want. These tax dollars could be used for ALL of Albuquerque...I agree route 66 is very sad..Needs some TLC.

Comments about the Ponderosa Mobile Home Park

Fe said: 

The Mobile Home Park started closing over 15 maybe 20 years ago. From what I understand a lot has to do with the city codes. Manufacturer housing and the set up of one must meet city codes. Gas water sewer, electrical. For instance if you were to move a MH into a property the house and lot must meet the city codes. Hardwire new pedestal gas lines underground. I hope this eye opening. I have family pictures of that building. Perhaps I can get more info from a relative who might know.

Anselmo said:

The Ponderosa Mobile Home Park was built in the early sixties by a married couple that came here from Oklahoma. I believe the widow owned it and was reluctant to sell any part when the Home Depot came and bought a portion of the park. Your article is not going to get any group to restore these old properties. Especially if the are privately owned. This is progress when Private land owners who have paid property tax for decades finally are able to sell they're properties to whatever businesses want to purchase them for redevelopment. East Central is riddled everywhere with Run Down Former Businesses & properties. This State is operating in the Red as well as all the other Tax payer waste and fleecing of tax payer funds by the City & County Agencies. We need business that bring jobs and pay taxes to maintain all the City. County & State Government Waste of Tax Payer $. The last thing that Albuquerque can afford to do is get involved in trying to maintain all these Blighted Structures. 

My favorite story so far is from Heather, who said about the Fair 'n' Square:

As a little girl, my mom (who passed away a little over 2yrs ago) used to take me with her to the Fair n' Square for groceries and various other things. When I was 11 I went to live with my father in Las Vegas, NV and had been gone for about 20yrs. In Vegas buildings get torn down all the time, half the casino's that were around in my childhood have long since been whiped off the face of the earth. So when I came to live out here back in July and I saw the Fair n' Square still standing and open it made me really happy. When I would go inside I felt like I was a little girl shopping with my mommy again. So seeing that it is now out of business really makes me sad. But at least I was able to shop there one last time and remember being with my mom.

Misc. Tidbits
We also learned that:
--the 66 pet spa in the Fairview Plaza has been going strong for at least 16 years
--Bill's Auto was operating back in the 1970s
--one of our readers worked at Hoyt's Dinner Bell, which was once located on Central and Aliso (in the '50s). I found a postcard with its picture for sale online. $14. 

I imagine there are more comments I haven't seen yet. They seem to be scattered all over the place. If you have commented and L&LNM or I, Michelle Worley, haven't liked or replied to it, then I haven't seen it yet. I apologize. 

Today's photo is further down Central than we have tallied. Since rapid transit is happening so fast, I thought I'd better take photos before they tear down more buildings. Today I saw people outside of the building I recently posted about. It looks like it will be razed soon. 

That's it for now. Wishing you all a peaceful New Mexico evening. 

An Empty Swimming Pool with Graffiti

Michelle Worley here, blogging Abq's Central Avenue again. Today, Danny and I explored Central Avenue between Elizabeth and Eubank. This little stretch is one that has many places I find fascinating, which is why there are more photos on this post than I usually include. 

Pictured first is Bill's Auto Parts Service. It's been closed up for as long as I can remember. I noticed that many homeless (?) people sit in the shade next to this building. It rests in the corner of the parking lot of a much bigger store, a Best Buy or something like that. What is the story behind this place? Does anyone know?

We saw three mobile home parks, one no longer in operation. In fact, it was recently razed. I wish I had snapped a photo before that happened. 

We realized that this razed park was related to a bigger park across the street, one that from the street looks to be deserted but when you look behind the main building, you can see that people still live there. 

I'm guessing there is no office on site and everyone mails their rent in to a management company. There is an empty swimming pool with graffiti. 

 

The numbers
Okay, so here are our new totals. Between Elizabeth and Eubank today we counted 20 total businesses. There were 14 in-businesses and 6 out-of-businesses. 

For the entire length we've covered so far, between Tramway and Eubank, we now have 119 businesses. There are 79 in-businesses and 40 out-of's. The percentages remain steady at 66% in's and 34% out-of's. 

Please continue to comment and share what you know about Central Avenue. I'm learning a lot! 

A.R.T.
I'm still having a hard time dealing with A.R.T. Someone, on another blog post, commented that it would be a good idea if it were on any other road, like Coors or Menaul. That is so true! When I think of it happening on another road, I can see the benefits. My problem is that they are doing it on Route 66 and the history of Abq's stretch of this Mother Road will be demolished. That is a sad thing. Why, why, why does A.R.T. have to happen on Central? 

Is It Really That Bad?

Michelle Worley here, blogging about in- and out-of-businesses on Central Avenue, Abq, NM. Today, Danny, Mariah, and I hit Central between Juan Tabo and Elizabeth.

Interestingly, we counted many more in-businesses than out-of's. It was encouraging. Maybe things aren't as bad as I was thinking. We counted 22 in-businesses and only 3 out-of's. Tucked in between all of these businesses is one small mobile home park, clean with trees and nice artwork on the surrounding wall.

There is also an American Legion building (pictured) that looks deserted but I googled it and Post 49 seems to be active. The entrance they use to access the building is probably in the back.

Let's end on a positive note
I'm going to keep it short today. On the entire stretch so far -- between Tramway and Elizabeth -- we have counted 99 businesses. Of those, 65 are in business and 34 are out of business. That's about 34% out of business, down from our last post, which was almost 42%.

Will this trend continue? Maybe I am just seeing all of the sad out-of-businesses and thinking there are more than there really are. Maybe it ain't so bad after all.

I'm learning a lot from comments made on this blog, from people who worked or lived in the areas I write about. Abq is such a crazy interesting city. Please continue to comment and share what you know but BE NICE!

On another note -- we encountered A.R.T. this morning and it is not pretty. It is traffic cones gone wild.

Until next time.

A.R.T. -- Central's Death Knell

Last night, we drove down Central, as we often do, and discovered that the controversial Abq Rapid Transit (A.R.T.) project has begun in the form of 2 of the 3 lanes of traffic being closed for construction. They have closed miles of lanes but construction is only happening in a small portion of those miles. Drivers are more than a little irritated. For the next 15 months, I think, no one will be driving down Central. They will use alternate routes.

I listened to the radio this morning and the horror stories are too hard to hear. People whose commute to work was always 20 minutes are now looking at an hour or more. This is RIDICULOUS! Every person who called in said they are against A.R.T.

Do we have a voice?
There was no democracy in the decision to go ahead with this ludicrous project that is way too big for little old Central Avenue, for little old Albuquerque. If there were democratic processes in the decision to do this, then the decision would have been made NOT to do it. All you have to do is look in all the windows of the businesses along Central to see all of the No A.R.T. signs.

There's your vote, people, a vote by those who work on Central and whose businesses are on the line because of a project that is simply overkill, designed to make someone money but not them.

Blogging Central
Needless to say, this stupid A.R.T thing is going to affect my Blogging Central project. I can deal with it but I need to work faster to get the information I want before the project causes even more changes. I want to reflect what's been happening on Central in the past 20 years or so. I don't want to deal with A.R.T.

But it is what it is, and I'm sure I will be thinking long and hard about how this stupid project is affecting a city I'm just starting to truly love. I don't want to lose it so soon. Damn you, A.R.T!

That's all I've got for now. I'm including a photo I took on my walk through the Los Poblanos open space today. Something peaceful.