Council District 6 Projects
Carlisle Cleaners Site Proposed for National Priorities List
The Environmental Protection Agency announced their proposed addition of the Carlisle Village Cleaners site to their Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL is a list of known sites where historic releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants pose significant threats to human health and the environment
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“To have this site considered and available for additional resources to clean up, is a win for Southeast Albuquerque,” said City Councilor Nichole Rogers. “Superfund cleanups provide health and economic benefits to communities and I’m encouraging our community to engage in the public comment process.”
The Carlisle Village Cleaners site, located at 3611 Simms Ave. SE, contains a soil gas plume centered within the South Carlisle Shopping Village strip mall and extends into a nearby commercial and residential area. Two former dry cleaner facilities operated at this site from 1953 to 2017.
“Families across our city deserve to grow up in safe, healthy environments,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We are grateful for our federal partners helping us fight for historic communities so that they get the resources they need and are no longer left behind.”
The announcement starts a 60-day public comment period for the EPA. Written comments can be provided to the EPA on their website: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/EPA-HQ-OLEM-2024-0375-0001
"One of the major reasons I fought hard to pass the Infrastructure Law was to drive economic development by investing in EPA’s Superfund cleanup work," said Senator Martin Heinrich. "Now that the former Carlisle Cleaners site has been proposed for the National Priorities List, I will work with Councilor Rogers, Mayor Keller, and the New Mexico Environment Department to hold the EPA's feet to the fire on cleaning up this site as quickly as possible, protecting the health and safety of local residents, and spurring economic growth for the future."
On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) hosted the third open house meeting to present on the site including an assessment of sampling results, proposed remediation actions for residential and commercial properties, and proposed schedule. The meeting was held at Life Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church, 1112 Carlisle Blvd.
“Keeping our communities safe and our neighborhoods clean is a priority no matter what level you hold office,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury. “I’m grateful to Councilor Rogers for always putting her community first and working towards a better Albuquerque. This is a great step in ensuring we combat harmful chemicals and pollution that leaves residents with lasting effects.”
PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING PILOT PROGRAM ALBUQUERQUE - PBABQ
Albuquerque residents have long been out of the conversation when it comes to their communities budgeting priorities. Participatory Budgeting changes all that and gets our residents and constituents involved in deciding how City funds are spent. District 6 Councilor Nichole Rogers has partnered with Participatory Budgeting Albuquerque (PBABQ) to develop the program for community members in the District.
Participatory Budgeting PBABQ gets our residents involved in deciding how City funds are spent, specifically General Obligation Bond funding that can fund capital projects. PBABQ began as a collaboration between students and faculty from the University of New Mexico and community members. PBABQ has been organizing since November of 2023, with special interest in PB’s ability to uplift marginalized communities.
Want to connect with the PBABQ Team and explore ways to get involved in Participatory Budgeting in Albuquerque? Please take just a few minutes to complete the PBABQ Registration form (available in English & Spanish) and the PBABQ Team will follow up with an email outlining various opportunities for you to get involved.
Councilor Rogers has designated $1.5 million of her Set-Aside funding for capital projects within District 6. Community members living in District 6 will work together with City Departments and other partnerships to implement a Participatory Budgeting (PB) model. These funds can be used for capital projects like lighting, street improvements, beautification, etc. The most important part of the PB model is its ability to uplift, support, and seek voices of community members living in District 6 to generate ideas for capital projects and their eventual implementation. While Councilor Rogers is launching a pilot in Council District 6, the long-term goal is to implement the model in City Council Districts throughout the City.
Participatory Budgeting Albuquerque Steering Committee
The pilot program in District 6 has filled the PBABQ Steering Committee. The District 6 Steering Committee's is working to create methods and processes designed to gather ideas for projects from individuals living, working, and studying in District 6 and further input on how Councilor Rogers’ Set-Aside (GO Bond) funding could be utilized for the long-term benefit of District 6.
It’s IDEA GENERATION TIME!!
What would you do in your community with $1.5 million dollars?
Come to one of our Community Events where you can work with our District 6 Steering Committee Members to submit your project idea.
You can also submit an idea online here!
For additional information on PBABQ, please email: [email protected]
District 6 Housing Projects
SOMOS
This development, located at Central & Alcazar, will transform MRA-owned land into a70-unit affordable housing complex with 1,000 square feet of commercial space. 84% of the housing units will be income-restricted, addressing a critical need for affordable housing in Albuquerque.
Highlands Central Market & Residence Inn
The Highlands Central Market & Residence Inn development will feature a 14,900 sq. ft. food hall and a 126-unit Residence Inn. This project is designed to enhance the local economy by creating jobs, stimulating business, and providing a new vibrant space for residents and visitors.
The Garfield Town Homes
The Garfield is a 16-unit town home project will consist of two separate buildings containing two-story, one-bedroom loft-style units. The development will be LEED Platinum certified, 100% electric, energy efficient, and will incorporate cooling design features, materials, and colors to enhance energy efficiency.
The Park Central Project
The Park Central commercial-to-residential conversion project will create 101 units of new housing in an abandoned office tower. Features will include a green roof, EV charging stations,
a mural painting by a local artist, bike storage, a dedicated car share space, and all electric apartments.
“I am so excited to see all four of these projects in District 6,” said City Councilor Nichole Rogers. “This kind of investment in housing is a huge deal for us and I am so grateful to see this happening.”
The RTA program provides property tax abatement on the incremental property taxes for seven years. The property tax program, applicable in all tax districts, aims to attract private investment, foster high-quality sustainable development, and deliver tangible housing and economic benefits to the community.
For more information and updates on the Redevelopment Tax Abatement Program and other MRA incentives, please visit the Development Incentives page.
ABQ Ride Forward Planning Seeks Public Input with Public Survey
ABQ RIDE has proposed a new “Recovery Network” with the support of Jarrett Walker + Associates, Toole Design, Bernalillo County, and Rio Metro Regional Transit District in the third and final phase of its ABQ RIDE Forward planning project.
ABQ RIDE expects to finalize the network in the fall. Implementation would be phased in over the next several years to allow time to fully regain staffing. Visit our project website to find more information, including an interactive map and a detailed report, as well as other ways to participate.
We are in the process of developing a plan to revitalize all of the shelters on Central and will include the addition of shelters in areas that have been previously removed. The shelters will have less surface area to prevent vandalism, will have lighting enhancements, real time schedule displays and trash cans.
Here is map showing where the new structures will go.
