ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – At the intersection of Lomas and Broadway, just north of downtown Albuquerque, sits a big, empty former storm drainage pond. “That land has been empty for probably 70 years; most recently it was being used as drainage for the area, but with the Ike Benton Pump Station, that’s not necessary anymore” said Albuquerque City Councilor Joaquín Baca.
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But it may not be empty much longer, as the city’s Metropolitan redevelopment agency is putting out a new request for proposals. They’re asking for developers to come up with a wide array of ideas for building something new on the lot, from housing to community parks to business. “First step is what are the ideas, what’s the possibilities, and then from there you can go to what’s next,” Baca went on to say.
The land falls in Baca’s district, and, while no proposals are in yet, he said he’d like to see housing be built there, and is hoping that will help the area become less car dependent. Baca explained, “Housing is one of the biggest things we need in the city, so I’d like to see like a really big housing, something because of its location, something car-free, like you don’t need a car if you live there”…