ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Monday’s Albuquerque City Council meeting has some hot topics on the agenda. Councilors will attempt to change an ordinance that would make it easier for businesses to create safe outdoor spaces on their property.
Safe outdoor spaces are designated areas where people experiencing homelessness can camp legally. The proposed amendments aim to make it easier for property owners and businesses to create these spaces by removing what supporters call prohibitive obstacles.
Albuquerque City Council expands ‘HEART’ ordinance
Earlier this week, dozens showed up to a land use and zoning hearing to voice their support and concerns. “Every tent on our property and every tent at a safe outdoor space means one less tent on Albuquerque’s sidewalks, in our parks and alleyways, under our overpasses, or on private property where they are not welcome,” said Gillam Kerley, owner of Quirky Used Books and More. “We’ve been asked why Quirky Used Books and More does not apply to be city-sanctioned SOS? The answer is simple: the burdensome regulations of unfunded mandates in the SOS ordinance make it impossible.”
And after hours of public comment at that land use hearing, the changes failed on a 2-to-3 vote. This means Monday’s city council meeting could also bring more hours of debate…