March Meeting Minutes
Huning Highland Historic District Association Meeting
6:30pm | Preservation Station
Here is a summary of the March 1 meeting thanks to our secretary, Jen Esquivel.
Guests from CABQ Aaron Nieto, Daniel Monzano were present
OFFICER REPORT
January: 2 Commercial Burglaries, 1 Residential Burglary, 5 Auto Burglaries
February:1 Commercial Burglary, 2 Auto Burglaries
CRIME
Homicide at Highland Park
February: Elderly African American woman killed. Process seemed slow according to Ben: the woman lay dead on the playground most of the day. Questioning why the neighborhood is uninformed about such a major instance
March: APD: Can’t comment on open investigation
Other: Neighbors applauded Mounted Patrol. Neighbors asked about patrol of the Central Ave Underpass (See below)
CENTRAL UNDERPASS
January:
At November meeting Bruce spoke about state of underpass. He went to City Council on behalf of EDo/HH. Response from Council was unsatisfactory and Bruce wasn’t able to fully express issue. CABQ promised to maintain more regularly
On 12/31 Esquivel family had another bad experience at the underpass. Sent email to Mayor/Ike Benton/other City staff.
Moises indicated they have been keeping clean for 2 days since email.
Neighbors discussed and agreed that we don’t believe the CABQ is doing enough nor that their promises are kept.
Identified ongoing problem for over 15 years
All decided to increase pressure including but not limited to forming a committee, involving the media (Jen, Elijah, Moises, Howard + involve EDo)
February:
Discussed working further with ABQ Journal reporter Jessica Dyer on a story
Article by ABQ Journal in January
Underpass improvements promised to be done by January 31 by the CABQ were not completed as noted by several neighbors.
Team indicated they will continue to press the issue with prior plans
March:
APD was questioned about patrolling the Central Ave Underpass. Said they would check with Area Commander to increase patrol.
CABQ Representatives: Transit Security making hourly patrols (M-F, 8-5 ??) / ABQ Ambassadors making daily cleaning (M-F)
Neighbors noted and requested change to no weekend coverage
Jen gave update: Neighbors reported continued poor conditions. Neighbors noted most improvements promised by CABQ in January had been implemented. Mention of collaborative effort led by ABQ Core to submit a letter for at-grade pedestrian crossing/long-term solution.
CABQ representatives said action for long-term solution expected by end of Keller’s second term.
Team will continue to monitor and press issue
STREET LIGHT
Bonnie asked for feedback on the new street light at Walter x Coal
Neighbors gave mixed feedback - “slower traffic,” “being treated as a stop sign,” “pedestrian signals responsive,” “camera placement/car sensor working”
Sally said she would check the lumens of the light and send an email on the results
Jen asked City officials to make the contractor do a better job of the former striping removal. Also noted overall poor condition of striping/paving in HH.
City officials said they would look into where HH is on the repave/restripe list kept by DMD
HH x EDo AUCTION
David Tanner, President of EDo: Time commitments are difficult for business owners. Hoped Marisol of Bahava Yoga would commit as she indicated.
Bruce Redford, Board member HH: Expressed a representative is needed from the EDo board to bring committed business owners/ideas of participation
Absent an EDo Board member commitment, the event might not happen in 2023
PROPERTY UPDATES
Fire Station on High St. – Owned by Greek Orthodox Church
Bonnie reported communication about the landscape. Greek Church indicated funding issue.
Bonnie reported an invitation to hold HH meetings at the facility
Vacant Building on 318 Elm SE
Arson of the Cypress tree reported, fence suggested
Owned by Law Firm, who will be occupying the space soon.
Church adjacent to Storehouse on Broadway
Bonnie noted roof is in need of major repair
Elijah noted owned by Adelante, donated property, used for dry storage, that he had a contact he would share via email
119 High Street: Owned by Homewise, working on MRA funding
OTHER
No Trespassing Signs
Noted as effective for EDo Spaces
CABQ Officials confirmed it is an initiative of the Valley Area command
Property Values: Noted that values are going up, but investment into HH/EDo by CABQ is not reflective of this increase
The next meeting will be April 5
