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!
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