ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Alleys in the International District, once filled with needles, trash, and homeless camps, are getting makeovers. Neighborhood associations and local Albuquerque Public Schools kids are helping with the clean-up.
Story continues below
- News:Family clarifies why they believe missing New Mexico man is dead
- Trending:City of Farmington opens new bridge over Animas River to better connect the region
- News:Park renamed after family of kids who died during Ruidoso flooding
It’s not a sight people would like to see in their backyard alley, but it’s a reality for people living in the International District. A year ago, the South San Pedro Neighborhood Association President had had enough after a fire was set in her alley, she helped start the alleyways initiative. “We saw a lot of bad people doing a lot of bad things in this alley prior to this. And now we’re not seeing that anymore,” said Natalie Vargas, President of South San Pedro Neighborhood Association.
Neighbors and students from Wilson Middle School cleaned up trash, painted murals, and gave the Wilson Trailway a makeover. “It’s just we are reclaiming our space. This is our space, and this is how we want to use it,” said Vargas. Through a partnership with APS called Safe Routes to School, APS said 84 needles have been picked up, trash has been reduced by 75% and several alleys that were cleaned up are now used as walkways to school…