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!