Redevelop EXPO NM

Request for Information (RFI)

Ideas to Redevelop the Property at EXPO New Mexico

submitted by

ALBUQUERQUE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 6 COALITION OF NEIGHBORHOOD

ASSOCIATIONS

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION RESPONSE

August 15, 2008

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT SIX COALITION OF NEIGHBORHOODS600 San Pablo Street NEAlbuquerque, NM 87108

ALBUQUERQUE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT SIX COALITION OF NEIGHBORHOODS

600 San Pablo Street, NEAlbuquerque, NM

August 15, 2008

Cynthia RomeroDFA – Local Government Division410 Don GasparSanta Fe, NM 87504

Dear Ms. Romero:

Thank you for the opportunity of approximately 20,000 residents of neighborhoods in and around the State of New Mexico’s EXPO property, to respond to the Governor’s Request for Information.

The City Council District 6 Coalition of Neighborhoods represents 14 active neighborhood associations, as diverse as the people in them. From the far west of the area, are the Campus Neighborhood Association, Yale Village Neighborhood Association, Victory Hills Neighborhood Association, and the Southeast Heights Neighborhood Association. Stretching in the middle from west to east are Nob Hill, Parkland Hills, Siesta Hills, Highland, Elder Homestead, South San Pedro, Fair West, La Mesa, Trumbull Village, and South Los Altos Neighborhood Associations. See Exhibit A the City of Albuquerque’s GIS map of the District.

While the residents through their neighborhood associations, business associations, civic and cultural groups, are the most diverse in Albuquerque and the State, all have come together through the District 6 Coalition to think big, as the Governor said, and put together their ideas for this response.

The Coalition understands that it is not a developer, architect or a business; although the residents in the Coalition neighborhoods represent many of those professions. As residents, we are civic-minded, creative and possess experienced community leaders in the process of visioning, planning and redevelopment. Over the years, many of the neighborhoods have updated their City Planning Rank 1 Sector Plans, created and expanded their metropolitan redevelopment plans, four (4) neighborhoods have completed a 10 year Department of Justice Weed and Seed grant (the 2nd such grant in the State), created a Southeast Heights Health Coalition, developed housing, cleaned up drugs and reduced crime. Our residents have a long history of community development.

Romero LetterAugust 15, 2008Page 2

Again I thank you, Secretary Miller, EXPO NM Commissioners, EXPO NM staff, and Governor Richardson for the RFI “ … for the use of the State of New Mexico for planning purposes and … to provide interested parties an opportunity to assist the State in planning for innovative and environmentally sound uses of land … by the State Fair Commission.”

The Coalition hopes you fi nd our ideas big, innovative, fl exible, scalable and full of possibility for the use of new and alternative uses for EXPO NM. The Coalition looks forward to discussing our ideas with the RFI Committee and other stakeholders.

Sincerely,

Nancy Bearce, President District 6 Coalition of Neighborhood Associations600 San Pablo St NEAlbuquerque, NM 87108(505) [email protected]

City Council District 6 Coalition of Neighborhood Associations

EXPO NM Request for Information Response

August 15, 2008

A. Background

The City Council District 6 Coalition of Neighborhoods represents 14 active neighborhood associations, and is as diverse as the people living in them. The Coalition respects and honors the values of the varied communities it represents. Creating space for community input and democratic participation is important for all we do, and especially for a process, which impacts thousands of households directly such as any major changes in EXPO NM. We have made a sincere effort to attain feedback from residents, business people, and other interested parties. Inclusiveness will create a much better product than excluding people and we continue to gather more input as we go along.

The area is large; the area consists of the Campus Neighborhood, Yale Village, Victory Hills and the Southeast Heights on the western edge. In the middle of the district are Nob Hill, Parkland Hills, Siesta Hills, and Highland and lastly on the eastern third are Elder Homestead, South San Pedro, Fair West, La Mesa, Trumbull Village, and South Los Altos neighborhoods. These are neighborhoods as defi ned and designated by the City of Albuquerque. For reference is Exhibit A the City of Albuquerque’s GIS map of the District.

The Coalition is represented by a variety of State House of Representatives and Senate Districts, City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and Public Regulatory Commission offi cials as follows:

• Representative Sheryl Stapleton Williams - 19• Representative Al Park – 26• Representative Mimi Stewart – 21• Representative Gail Chasey Beam - 18• Senator Cisco McSorley - 16• Senator Shannon Robinson – 17• City Councilor Rey Garduno - 6• Bernalillo County Commissioner Deanna Archuleta - 3• Public Regulatory Commissioner & Chair Jason Marks - 1

While the residents through their neighborhood associations, business associations, civic and cultural groups, are the most diverse in Albuquerque and the State, all have come together through the District 6 Coalition to think big, as the Governor said, and put together their ideas for this response.

The District 6 Coalition met on July 12, 2008 at the Cesar Chavez Community Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Twenty-two (22) individuals representing seven (7) neighborhoods, four (4) organizations and fi ve (5) public offi cials gathered and held a brainstorming, planning and call to action meeting. The format was open to allow inclusive participation by everyone. Residents were encouraged to be respectful, no judging of ideas, and to either call out their ideas or use large post it notes for writing their ideas down, bring them up to the front wall for consideration. Ideas were sorted with similar ideas grouped together while others stood alone.

Exhibit B is the attached meeting attendees, and list of themes/ideas. The Coalition’s press release for the Governor’s Community Meeting held Friday, August 8, 2008 is Exhibit C.

B. Common Ideas and/or Themes

The Coalition understands that it is not a developer, architect or a business; although it does understand that best practice in these areas is to understand the community, involve residents and business, and to have an open process. As residents, we are civic-minded, creative and possess experienced community leaders in the process of visioning, planning and redevelopment. Over the years, many of the neighborhoods have updated their City Planning Rank 1 Sector Plans, created and expanded their metropolitan redevelopment plans, four (4) neighborhoods have completed a 10 year Department of Justice Weed and Seed grant (the 2nd such grant in the State), created a Southeast Health Care Coalition, developed housing, cleaned up drugs and reduced crime. Our residents have a long history of community development.

While the following is a list of ideas, the listing itself is random and there is no intent to rank the ideas in any preference.

1. Keep the State Fair at the current EXPO NM location.All participants unanimously agreed with this idea. Over the past 4-5 years, area residents and neighborhood associations have noted the inclusive planning of the State Fair that has lead to much better outcomes for the State Fair event. Crime is more controlled through coordination of State Police, Albuquerque Police Department, and Bernalillo County Sheriff Department. Traffi c patterns have been adjusted and planned to better accommodate the Fair visitors, exhibitors, vendors, entertainers and others.

2. Provide more job opportunities for area residents and be an asset for creating a community economic engine. A strong healthy community is a place where people can work and live in the same area. For too long this theory was ignored and the area around EXPO NM was ignored and disinvestment by City services and infrastructure left some neighborhoods with urban blight. Current revitalization efforts are turning the blight around, with a new vibrancy and small business incubator companies all around. Bordering the 6th District Coalition & not far away are technology research facilities, Sandia Laboratories, and Kirtland Air Force Base.

3. Incorporate “Best of” ideas from other cities, i.e. Central Park, NYC; Millennium Park, Chicago; Soulard Market, St. Louis; O2, London, England; Convention Center, Boston, The Coalition as with the fairgrounds own study shows, fairgrounds stuck in the middle of an urban area is not a new phenomenon but is happening across the country. Looking around and using ideas from other cities to inspire and create the best working models is a thoughtful way to

identifi ed opportunities on the grounds of the EXPO for year round events, activities, and other public-private partnerships. By allowing to freely thinking outside what currently exists, is a fun way to let ideas fl ow. Many of the ideas mentioned are fl exible, multi-use, and scalable and lend themselves to developing a 10-15 year master plan. Thinking big was the Governor’s directive.

4. Be an International and Cultural Destination Area for the State and City (cultural centers, sister city cultures, International Consulate offi ces, etc.) This capitalizes and further markets existing assets on the EXPO NM property, i.e. La Villa Hispana, Indian Village and the new African American Performing Arts Center. Also given the surrounding populations ethnic and cultural diversity, ethnic shopping destinations such as Talin International Marketplace, and ethnic food, this theme already is a given and is ready to be built upon for a stable foundation of the area.

5. Include a Route 66/Central Avenue PromenadeAs an area known for good mass transit and the historic Route 66, a green space walking area located on Central Avenue around the existing gate 1 is proposed. The promenade area would be a good area for a trolley turn-around, an urban bicycle path, as well as walking path. The existing gate 1 would be re-designed as an entrance for retail, restaurants, fl ea market and growers market.

6. Home to a Permanent Grower’s Market/Flea Market (open, inviting, public) As in #3 above, using the Soulard Market in St. Louis, Missouri, as an example of a structure that has housed a thriving urban marketplace since 1779, that could be envisioned for Albuquerque residents and vendors. This currently elevates the status of the existing fl ea market by providing a covered space that could be expanded to house a year round growers market, ethnic food vendors, including a year round New Mexico products outlet and other enterprises. Additionally the structure would be solar and use green building materials.

7. Be a Daily and Year-round Destination As mentioned in the RFI, including Retail, Restaurants and State Government offi ces would create a daily destination for workers. By having state government offi ces there, a captive audience for restaurants, fl ea market, growers market and other retail business is assured. As with the African American Performing Arts Center, many buildings and/or offi ce suites could be a public/private venture with retail on the bottom and offi ces above. Additionally, state agencies could work together to create one- stop customer service such as social services, public health and motor vehicles divisions that would have good parking facilities. This theme also has the side effect of creating its own economy.

8. Provide Year-round Family Recreation In conjunction with #7 above, year round family recreation opportunities need to be community supported and include all age activities for children, teens, adults and elders. Such things include reduced fare movie theatres, soccer fi eld, rock climbing wall, experimental community theatre, children’s theatre group, community art and music space, and cultural celebrations are a few examples of ideas.

9. Improve/Update/Change the EXPO NM Perimeter (open, inviting, public)In a community idea exchange venue provided by Fair Commissioner Whittington, an overwhelming amount of ideas about the EXPO NM border was elicited. Fair Commissioner Whittington has verbally committed to providing these ideas to the RFI committee for review. Both the idea exchange and Coalition meeting have the same ideas; make the EXPO

NM property more open to the public and becoming part of the community by removing the perimeter walls. Previously, the racetrack, stables, and livestock areas were used as excuses to continue having the walls to keep in the dust, horsefl ies, and noise. But it is critical to opening the property up to the public and the walls are an impediment to that concept. Having open green walkways that are appropriately lit and reduced walls will go a long way in providing that visual paradigm shift.

10. A World Class Event Center Like O2 in London, an event center that is open inside, multi-functional and scalable to fi t the property and scalable for the event is the best idea. An event center like O2 holds art shows (King Tut is currently on exhibit), sporting events, concerts (large and small), and conventions. By doing an open area, this would fulfi ll the needs and expansion cited in EXPO NM study, showing a defi cit of exhibitor space and vendor amenities. This makes the most sense for the EXPO NM property.

11. Incorporate thoughtful mixed use planning As mentioned in many of the ideas above, the Coalition is thinking that well thought out mixed use plans would include a parking garage, gate re-designs, multi-modal transportation, workable traffi c fl ows, and above all safe ways to promote traffi c and pedestrian movement inside the property as well as in, out and around the perimeter. Mixed use includes retail, restaurants, offi ces, performing arts, etc. but as stated in #15 excludes housing.

12. Use Green Building and Alternative EnergyWe naturally think of the number of annual sunlit days in New Mexico, and think of solar panel on any of the new buildings such as the grower’s market structure, all the while using local companies from the science community. But there is much more, which includes following green building standards, straw bale buildings, energy conserving heating, cooling, and plumbing. All of this state of the art will showcase New Mexico industries.

13. A Multi-use Athletic Field for Green SpaceThe Coalition fi rst thought of its international cultural and looked to the smaller soccer stadium in Manchester, England as a fl exible athletic fi eld space that could be utilized by New Mexico Athletics Association and a variety of community sports such as soccer and Little League, etc.It should be noted that if an open multi-function event center in #10 is desired, such a center could be used for indoor sporting events.

14. Include an Equestrian Center, depending on Mesa Del Sol plans or any other plans to create an Equestrian Center off site as has been stated in the RFI and RFI meeting. If it is the intention of the New Mexico equine community to have a center on the scale of those in other neighboring states, then we must be cognizant that those equine centers/parks are far larger than the entirety of our fairgrounds. We are aware that that any effort to include an equine center at EXPO NM would be smaller than most venues in the U. S. and would not be capable of attracting events like those currently being held at locations far larger and better appointed than any that could exist at EXPO NM. As competition for national events progresses over the years, any equine center confi ned to EXPO NM would only be capable of statewide youth competitions, at best.

It could be argued that New Mexico has the oldest equine tradition in North America, yet we still don’t have a venue that is equal to those in other states. Already, the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, CO has emulated the model and based its design on that of this nation’s premier equine

center, the Kentucky Horse Park. Colorado Horse Park is 600+ acres in size. Mesa Del Sol plans as they are evolving are looking at 100-150 acres – a scaled down size that will not favorably compete for horse shows when Tulsa, OK and Parker, CO exist.

15. Exclude ideas for established long-term housing It is understood that existing 4-H dormitories are in use during the State Fair event and have been upgraded. The Coalition has no objection to this temporary housing need. However, long term housing exists all around the EXPO NM area. Existing infrastructure is undergoing upgrading and is not thought favorable to supporting more long term housing. Some other housing possibilities are an ‘artist in residence’ program, such as the Santa Fe Opera. This housing is limited in scope and duration. We also understand that there is a need for emergency housing and that existing and new facilities can accommodate that as needed.

16. Follow a process that permanently includes Neighborhoods and other stakeholdersWhile we understand the current make-up of the State Fair Commission, it is not inclusive of all the development stakeholders, specifi cally, area neighborhoods and businesses that would feel the most impact of development. We would propose a community advisory board to formally be a part of a democratic decision making process. Our idea is to bring everyone to the table—it may be a bit cumbersome, but democracy is the best system yet.

C. Methodology Themes

When the Coalition thought of fi nancial considerations for such a large re-development that will impact the area for the next 75 years, one thing was very clear to citizens – the re-development must have the cooperation and synergy between the State, City of Albuquerque, County of Bernalillo, community and other stakeholders. We’ve seen fi rsthand what having everyone at the table in the planning of the 17 days of the State Fair can accomplish and how processes come together much more rationally when everyone is sharing.

For instance, we know that there will be a tremendous need for the City and State to work together for street improvements, traffi c lights, storm drain planning, emergency planning, environmental concerns such as asbestos and other infrastructure needs. It must be clear that political posturing and turf issues must be set aside from the beginning of the development planning processes.

As we discuss re-development, many in the Coalition question the feasibility of continuing EXPO NM under an enterprise operation. To be quite frank, the EXPO NM property didn’t get in its current condition by having a bad economic year or two. It is in need of a massive infusion of money for rehabilitation of existing buildings and possible demolition of others. While many of the ideas expressed herein will be self-sustaining, it must be remembered that this is a state-wide public jewel for all the citizens of New Mexico. It is strongly recommended that General Funds be allocated for the continuing Fair operations and re-development.

With public funding, such a development is best served when a master plan is developed over a certain amount of time. By having a master plan, planning, funding and building can be mapped out on a designated time line. We believe this provides great project management and better processes for the success of the development.

Lastly, the Coalition is in agreement that a formal decision making process and organization that is inclusive of all stakeholders and community be established. Redevelopment of 234 acres in the middle of the state requires all New Mexico voices to be heard and have a part of the process.

D. Conclusion

The communities who walk to the Expo NM year round, who drive by it daily, who catch the bus at one of its many stops, and whose businesses are impacted by changes have come together to begin visioning for this important State institution. We understand that clearly this impacts the entire State of NM, and hope that the state understands that this institution has strong impact upon thousands of households who are located walking distance from this location and have strongly voiced maintaining this location as a vital part of our various neighborhood identities.

As those who see the “Fairgrounds” consistently and would be impacted by any major changes, we hope that the State of New Mexico will live up to our cherished values of democracy, community participation and the public good. Though we have asked for a great deal, it is only because we have high expectations of our great state, our State government, and our local communities to work together. We are willing to do the work to advocate, lobby, and organize to support the redevelopment of EXPO NM and the surrounding communities. In this way, the Community, the City, the County and the State will all benefi t from this redevelopment.

EXHIBIT A

City of Albuquerque, Council District Six GIS map

EXHIBIT B

City of Albuquerque Council District Six Coalition of Neighborhood AssociationsMeeting Attendees and list of themes/ideas

Neighborhood Coalition MeetingFairgrounds Request for Ideas (RFI)

July 12, 2008

Attendees: 22 citizens representing 7 neighborhoods; 4 organizations; And 5 public offi cials

Roger Flegel – Fair West Neighborhood Association (FWNA)Mary Ryland – Fair West Neighborhood Association (FWNA)Leah Steimel - Fair West Neighborhood Association (FWNA)

Bobbie Nobles – Asian American Association of New Mexico (AAANM)

E. Gwen Bemis – Trumbull Village Neighborhood Association (TVNA)Joanne Landry - Trumbull Village Neighborhood Association (TVNA)

Claude Lewis – Highland Business and Neighborhood Association (HBANA)

Rod Reay – Siesta Hills Neighborhood Association (SHNA)

Enrique Cardiel – South San Pedro Neighborhood Association (SSPNA) and SE Heights Healthcare Coalition

Karen Cathey – South San Pedro Neighborhood Association (SSPNA)Reynaluz Juarez - South San Pedro Neighborhood Association (SSPNA)

Marian Jordan – Elder Homestead Neighborhood Association (EHNA)

Nerissa Whittington – FWNA and EXPO NM Board MemberJohn Hooker – New Mexico State Fairgrounds (NMSF)

Idalia Lechuga-Tena – La Mesa Community Improvement Association(LMCIA)

Nancy Bearce –Albuquerque District 6 Coalition of Neighborhoods, La Mesa Community Improvement Association (LMCIA)and La Mesa Community Land Trust, Inc. (LMCLT)

Rich Rogers – Long time residentRuben Sanchez – Business Owner, Louisiana & Central

Julian Moya – City of Albuquerque, Assistant to Councilor Rey GarduñoRep Sheryl Williams-Stapleton – NM State RepresentativeRep Al Park – NM State RepresentativeSenator-elect Tim Keller – NM State Senator-elect

Neighborhood Coalition MeetingFairgrounds Request for Ideas (RFI)

July 12, 2008

Common Themes/Ideas

1. State Fair Stays

2. Formalized Neighborhood Involvement and other stakeholders

3. Job opportunities /asset for community economic engine

4. No Housing that is established long term housing

5. “Best of” ideas from other cities, i.e. Central Park, Millenium Park, St. Louis,

6. International/Cultural Destination (cultural centers, sister city cultures, Mexican Consulate offi ces, etc)

7. Central Ave Promenade

8. Permanent Grower’s Market/Flea Market (open, inviting, public)

9. Year-round Destination Retail & Restaurant

10. Year-round Family recreation, community supported to include all age activities from children, teens, adults and elders

11. Green open walkways, lighted, no walls

12. Word Class event center

13. Thoughtful mixed use, parking garage, gate re-designs, transportation, traffi c fl ows, safety

14. Green building and use of alternative energy i.e. solar panels on the covered grower’s market structure

15. Athletic Fields for a variety of sports such as soccer, little league, etc

16. Equestrian Center

EXHIBIT C

City of Albuquerque Council District Six Coalition of Neighborhood AssociationsAugust 7, 2008 Press Release

City Council District Six Coalition of Neighborhood Associations 600 San Pablo St NE

Albuquerque, NM 87108

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 7, 2008

For further information contact Nancy BearceCoalition President (505) 254-7841

SE Heights Neighborhood Groups Issue Recommendations for Expo NM

ALBUQUERQUE - As part of the RFI process and in anticipation of the Governor’s visit to Expo NM this Friday at 1:30 pm at the African American Performing Arts Center, surrounding neighborhood groups and elected offi cials have outlined several desired themes to help guide Expo New Mexico’s future planning. Earlier last month, 23 citizens representing 7 neighborhood associations, 4 organizations and 5 public offi cials gathered for a brainstorming session and are pleased to make the following recommendations. Ideas for a new plan for Expo NM include:

1. Keep the State Fair

2. Provide more job opportunities for area residents and be an asset for creating a community economic engine

3. Incorporate “Best of “ ideas from other cities, i.e. Central Park, NYC; Millennium Park, Chicago; Soulard Market, St. Louis

4. Be an International/Cultural Destination (cultural centers, sister city cultures, International Consulate offi ces, etc.)

5. Include a Rt 66/Central Avenue Promenade

6. Home to a Permanent Grower’s Market/Flea Market (open, inviting, public) such as the Soulard Market, St. Louis

7. Be a Daily and Year-round Destination including Retail, Restaurants and Government Offi ces

8. Provide Year-round Family recreation that is community supported and include all age activities for children, teens, adults and elders

9. Provide Green Open walkways, lighted and no walls

10. A World Class Event Center like O2 in London that is multi-functional

11. Incorporate thoughtful mixed use planning with a parking garage, gate re-designs, multi-modal transportation, workable traffi c fl ows, and safe

12. Use Green Building and alternative energy, i.e. solar panels on the covered grower’s market structure and utilize local companies

13. Include Athletic Fields for a variety of community sports such as soccer, Little League, etc

14. Include an Equestrian Center, depending on Mesa Del Sol plans

15. Exclude ideas for established long-term housing but consider State Fair housing and ‘artist in residence’ programs like the Santa Fe Opera

16. Follow a process that permanently includes Neighborhoods and other stakeholders

“ The Fairgrounds re-development will impact area residents and neighborhoods for 50 years or more. The Governor is well served by having engaged citizens, their sharing of ideas and the value of their input,” says Nancy Bearce, Coalition President.

“What to do with Expo NM was an important issue in the recent primary, I’m pleased our district is proactively voicing its ideas. I’m looking forward to working on this in the legislature,” says State Senate District 17 Senator - Elect Tim Keller.

“I am excited to work with the Governor and community leaders on promoting a re-vitalized and vibrant Expo New Mexico that will serve the local neighborhoods as well as the entire state,” says State Representative Al Park, District 26.

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Figure 1: EXPO NM current confi guration

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