3 days ago
New resolution looks to add more properties to Nob Hill redevelopment project
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – There's a new push to give property owners more help fixing up empty lots and rundown buildings on one of the city's busiest boulevards, off of Central Ave.
The city councilor for the area said a revamp is long overdue on San Mateo Blvd. between Lomas Blvd. and Copper Ave. She's pushing to rope it into a special redevelopment zone that could speed up a potential overhaul.
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It's a major Albuquerque roadway, but if you've gone through San Mateo, from Copper to Lomas, you've more than likely seen the old and empty strip malls that have seen better days. But Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers wants to change that, introducing a plan targeting the area for improvements that could draw in new businesses.
Her resolution looks to add the half-mile stretch of San Mateo to the nearby 'Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan,' giving new benefits to 58 properties in the area. 'The MRA zone, because it is on Central, we're able to use those incentives for the San Mateo Towers, so why can't we do the same thing for smaller business owners and not just big developers?' said Councilor Nichole Rogers.
If it passes, one of the benefits could allow area businesses to get a seven-year property tax freeze, which could help avoid costs associated with upgrades. 'Any business owner who is wanting to expand, either renovate their area, expand their businesses, they're adding jobs, people want to add housing to this area. These tax abatements can help,' said Rogers.
Some residents have expressed concerns about the change, which comes with designating properties as 'blighted,' something that could also affect property values. But Councilor Rogers says this won't be an issue for long. 'It might feel funny to say 'yes, it's blighted but it won't be when we're done' and that's the purpose of using these tools, it's to take a blighted area and change that,' said Rogers.
The potential 'MRA' expansion goes to city council's Land Use and Zoning Committee next week. If it passes, city council could vote for final approval, potentially by June 16. Councilor Rogers is hosting a 'Community Conversation' about the potential MRA on Thursday.
We also reached out to the Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency who provided a statement on the project.
'The MRA has been working with Councilor Rogers on legislation to extend the Central/Highland/Upper Nob Hill Metropolitan Redevelopment Area up San Mateo Blvd. to Lomas Blvd. MRA staff conducted an analysis in the area which merits inclusion in an MRA. Expanding this MRA will help unlock incentives to help spur economic investments in a highly traveled commercial corridor in the heart of the city. The expansion of the MRA will support small businesses located near MRA-supported housing projects already in the works along Central Ave. and San Mateo Blvd.'
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