Latest news with #GillamKerley
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
KRQE Newsfeed: Wildfires, Zoning violation, Warmer and breezy, Asking for input, Mariachis game
New Coaches, New Challenges In Lobo Athletics UNM, NMSU international students visa records restored Roswell man sentenced for voluntary manslaughter Man sentenced to over 390 years for sex crimes in Otero County Community invited to meeting on Rio Bravo neighborhood projects Nine student-athletes sign from Albuquerque High What to know about the secretive process to elect the new pope [1] Fire destroys multiple homes in Grants overnight – Two wildfires recently sparked up in different parts of the state. The first is east of Socorro, now labeled the Otero Fire. That fire is still burning, but has not destroyed any structures. The cause of the Otero Fire is under investigation. Grants police say another fire, now labeled the Alamo Fire, started in an open field before moving to a nearby mobile home park. That fire destroyed some structures, but is now fully contained. Grants police are investigating the cause of the fire and believe it was human caused. [2] ABQ bookstore pushes back on plans to remove homeless camp – The owner of Quirky Used Books said he's trying to help people affected by homelessness. The business, between Nob Hill and the International District, also serves as a safe haven for a handful of homeless people living in tents. Gillam Kerley said he started allowing the tents almost a year ago. In July 2024, the business received a notice from the city's code enforcement that the camp is violating the zoning code. Kerley and his attorneys were in front of a hearing officer Monday afternoon to argue his case. A ruling is expected by May 9. [3] Warmer & breezier weather with more rain ahead – Daily chances for isolated showers and thunderstorms begin Tuesday afternoon. For Tuesday and Wednesday, rain chances will focus in western, northern, central, and eastern parts of the state. Drier air will move in for Thursday, but a chance for showers and storms are still likely in northern New Mexico along the Colorado state line. Temperatures will stay seasonable across New Mexico through the week, with a few breezy locations in the afternoon. [4] New Mexico officials ask for input on how to take care of aging population – New Mexico officials are asking for input on how to take care of the state's aging population. The state recently released a draft of it's four-year plan. The plan's three goals include expanding services to the elderly and caregivers, responding to social determinants of health by giving opportunities for community engagement and nutritional support, and reducing occurrences of abuse. The aging and long term services department is looking for public comment on its plan. [5] What do the Isotopes have planned for Sunday's Mariachis game? – Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, and to celebrate, the Isotopes will trade in their jerseys to become the Mariachis. The Isotopes will host a Mariachis game on Sunday, highlighting Hispanic heritage and culture. It's a tradition the team has been taking part in for a few years, embracing their alto ego with unique jerseys, special menu items and more. Gates open at noon on Sunday with the game starting at 1:35 in the afternoon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Albuquerque bookstore pushes back against plans to remove homeless camp on property
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – An Albuquerque bookstore owner is going head-to-head with the city, over whether he can have a homeless encampment on his store's property. Now, a city hearing officer is deciding whether the camp can stay or the owner will face thousands of dollars in fines. The owner of Quirky Used Books near Central Ave. and Jefferson St. said he's just trying to help people affected by Albuquerque's homelessness crisis, but the city said he's going about it the wrong way. Story continues below Community: NM Dancewear closes its doors for good, leaving hole in dance community Food: Los Ranchos restaurant named best spot for brunch in the state by Yelp Crime: ABQ woman frustrated, two vehicles stolen from hospital parking lot days apart Film: Do you recognize these 'El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie' filming locations? 'So, we think overall what we're doing is a benefit for the city as a whole. And we wish the city would recognize that,' said Gillam Kerley, owner of Quirky Used Books and More. The business, between Nob Hill and the International District, also serves as a safe haven for a handful of homeless people living in tents. Kerley said he started allowing the tents almost a year ago. 'People need a safe space to stay, and the city's escalating encampment sweeps and the criminalization of the presence on public property,' said Kerley. In July 2024, the business received a notice from the city's code enforcement that the camp is violating the zoning code. 'The shelter on the property constitutes an encampment in violation of the city integrated development ordinance and they're a hazard the communities health and welfare,' said Andrew Coon, managing attorney for the City of Albuquerque. The city does allow sanctioned camps, called 'Safe Outdoor Spaces' but organizations must apply for a permit and provide bathrooms, showers, and more, requirements Kerley said are burdensome. 'The cost of doing that, of providing 24/7 on-site support, would be over $100,000 a year in operating expenses,' said Kerley. Kerley and his attorneys were in front of a hearing officer Monday afternoon to argue his case. 'He is exercising his rights under the state and federal constitution, including his right to property and his right to provide safety to those who seek it,' said Billy Trabaudo, attorney representing Kerley. Kerley said he vets the people living on his property. Currently, there are 12 tents and 18 people residing in the parking lot. He plans on appealing if the hearing officer rules in favor of the city. A ruling is expected by May 9. The mayor's office sent KRQE News 13 a statement below: 'We want more Safe Outdoor Spaces in our city and welcome any business, church, or nonprofit that can help our unhoused. There is a city ordinance that requires safe, sanitary living conditions, and we encourage Quirky Books to follow the law and become a true safe outdoor also find details on Safe Outdoor Spaces at: SHANNON KUNKELPress secretary | Mayor's office Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
