City, Planning Department Launch Problematic Properties Program
Starting today, you can see the top 15 most problematic properties in Albuquerque. These properties are often hot beds for criminal activity, are dangerous to inhabit and become eyesores across the city. The Problematic Properties Program is modeled in part after APD’s Metro 15 Program, which keeps a list of 15 offenders who are drivers of crime in Albuquerque to target for arrest.
The Problematic Properties Program (www.cabq.gov/problematicproperties) tracks 15 of the worst buildings out of approximately 300 substandard properties in Albuquerque. The Code Enforcement Division of Albuquerque’s Planning Department compiled a sort of worst-of-the worst of substandard, dilapidated and neglected or abandoned properties that can be hot spots for criminal activity or are a continued drain on city resources.
“We want to make sure that we’re using all of the tools in our tool belt to keep neighborhoods safe,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This new effort will not only hone in on the most problematic properties in our town, but will also have up-to-date information for neighbors who want to see the progress made.”
City officials recognize that taking action on many of these properties hasn’t been possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the process toward condemning these properties and tearing them down can often take months, which is why the city is using the Problematic Properties website to reach out to property owners and perhaps restore these homes in a timely manner.
“The City is providing this online list to give neighbors easy access to updates and information about these properties,” said Brennon Williams, Albuquerque Planning Director. “Ultimately, the City’s goal is to have the properties put back into productive use and get qualified families into these homes.”
The Problematic Properties Program website also has a link to a companion webpage that highlights 25 properties that were once problems, but have been turned into success stories. You can find this at www.cabq.gov/resolvedproperties.
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