ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque city leaders are trying to bring new life to empty properties in a core part of downtown between First and Eighth streets, and Copper and Gold avenues through the Downtown Vacant Premises Ordinance passed by city council in January.
Code enforcement will begin acting on it July 1. It requires owners to register properties with the city that have been vacant for at least nine months, and pay an annual registration fee based on the square footage and how long it’s been vacant. They must also keep their properties secure and maintained.
On Eighth and Central Avenue, Ex Novo Brewing and Arrive Hotel have brought new life to that part of the core. But head east to Fourth and Central Avenue, and it feels much different…