LOCAL COLUMN
SATIRE: Public trail could expose neighborhood to the public
Residents living beside a fenced dirt alleyway warned city officials last month that converting the neglected corridor into a separated walking and bicycling trail could expose the neighborhood to an unprecedented threat: People traveling somewhere.
鈥淲e understand that Sawmill Market, Old Town and the BioPark are major public attractions,鈥� said one concerned resident. 鈥淏ut we never imagined people from other parts of Albuquerque might attempt to reach them.鈥�
The proposed section of the Albuquerque Rail Trail would replace the dirt corridor with a landscaped, accessible pathway connecting several of the city鈥檚 most heavily visited destinations. Residents cautioned that the improvement could force those living nearby to endure bicycles, pedestrians, families and possibly individuals who do not already reside on the same block.
Several homeowners described the particular hardship of living in a highly desirable historic neighborhood surrounded by restaurants, museums, parks, cultural attractions and recreational amenities, only to learn that the city intended to make those amenities accessible.
鈥淲e chose this area because everything is close by,鈥� said one resident. 鈥淭he problem is that the trail would make everything close by.鈥�
Residents also warned that connecting the route to Albuquerque鈥檚 acclaimed Bosque Trail system could reproduce the severe conditions along the city鈥檚 scenic river corridor, where the presence of other people enjoying the outdoors has already forced some residents indoors.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 even go to the bosque anymore because there are too many people outside,鈥� said one resident, adding that she now often stays home. 鈥淚鈥檓 worried this trail would bring the same outdoor conditions to the area immediately outside my home.鈥�
Opponents also questioned whether separated pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure was necessary, explaining that the existing streets were already perfectly safe for anyone sufficiently comfortable sharing them with several-ton automobiles traveling only a little over the speed limit.
鈥淚f somebody doesn鈥檛 feel safe walking in the road, there are other options,鈥� one attendee said. 鈥淭hey can drive.鈥�
Albuquerque City Councilor Joaqu铆n Baca convened the informational meeting after opponents requested additional information about the project. City employees stood beside displays covering landscaping, lighting, accessibility, traffic changes and other design features, including a proposed 鈥淏raille Trail鈥� intended to improve navigation for people with visual impairments. Attendees could register their preferences through a 鈥渄ot-mocracy鈥� on the presentation boards or speak individually with the employees responsible for planning and designing the trail.
Many opponents declined to participate in either process, explaining that they had come to demand more information and an opportunity to provide input.
鈥淭hey gave us boards, project documents, and direct access to the people who know the answers,鈥� said one attendee. 鈥淏ut they never gave us a chance to ask why nobody is listening to us.鈥�
Baca later converted the informational session into an impromptu town hall so attendees could address him directly. Several residents used the opportunity to request a separate one-on-one meeting with the councilor where their concerns could receive public consideration in private.
鈥淭his format does not allow for meaningful dialogue,鈥� said one resident during the dialogue.
The project鈥檚 documented outreach dates back to at least 2021, when the city reported five steering committee meetings, a public meeting attended by approximately 115 people, a survey distributed to more than 4,000 nearby residents and businesses, 456 survey responses, a public-sector working group and five design charrettes.
鈥淭his is the first we are hearing about it,鈥� said one attendee.
At press time, residents were preparing additional signs warning that the trail could increase neighborhood congestion by allowing people to reach Old Town without first bringing a car into Old Town.
Oli Sale is a math teacher at Albuquerque Institute for Math and Science and volunteers for Strong Towns ABQ.
