International district could get a facelift
Published : Sunday, 13 Nov 2011, 10:56 PM MST
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - For years it was a hot spot for crime and a place few people wanted to live, but now the crime has been cleaned up and there are plans to make it the Albuquerque's destination neighborhood.
Streets in the city's International District once riddled with crime are now safe for walking. So much so in fact, residents there are requesting an enhanced community trail.
"The idea is to get people out walking and biking more," said Erin Englebrecht, ACHIEVE Coordinator. ACHIEVE stands for the Action Communities for Health, Innovation, and EnVironmental changE. It's a non profit group that is helping with the International Trail Project.
The project plans to expand sidewalks, add lighting, bike paths, walking routes and beautify the district while connecting the neighborhood and its residents.
The plan is in it's initial stages, but if approved there are proposals to pull federal, city and county funds to pay for improvements. It's an investment Bernalillo County Commissioner Maggie Heart Stebbins says will further transform the area and make it one of the city's most popular neighborhoods.
"It's really time that we make an investment in that community," said the commissioner. "It's going to be an area where people want to live, where people want to stay."
The first phases of the plan are funded by the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors in hopes that the upgrade will get people outside and active and keep them healthy.
Public input will be heard at the following meetings:
Monday November 14 at the Mesa Verde Community Center 6-7:30 p.m.
Monday November 21 at the NM Expo African American Performing Arts Center 6-7:30 p.m.
