By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. County Manager Wayne Johnson delivered Sandoval County’s first formal State of the County address since 2020 Wednesday, using a “Six Years of Progress” slide deck to argue the county is “stronger, safer” than in July 2020 — and pitching the report itself as a new annual tradition. Johnson said his […]
Local Government
Posted inRio Rancho
Southbound and down: Western Hills lanes close Monday for $2.3M rebuild
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Drivers heading south on Western Hills Drive will have to take the long way around starting Monday, when the city closes the southbound lanes between Southern and Cabezon boulevards for a $2.3 million rebuild. Contractor TLC begins the first phase of work Sept. 28, according to the City of Rio […]
Posted inCorrales
Hey, not there! Outdoor defecation complaint prompts new Corrales ordinance
By Rodd Cayton Human waste belongs in toilets, Corrales resident Paul Ortega says. Speaking at the Sept. 22 Village Council meeting, he implored councilors to pass an ordinance to that effect. Ortega said that since April, he and his wife have been dealing with a neighbor who has repeatedly defecated outdoors and discarded used toilet […]
Posted inCity Desk ABQ
Fed up Albuquerque renters put new city protections to the test
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — For more than a year, City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn has pushed for stronger renter protections, one city ordinance at a time. In June, two of her measures became law: the Rental Unit Habitability Enforcement Ordinance and a resolution requiring the city to prioritize safety violations. Now those protections are […]
Posted inRio Rancho
Are we there yet? Rio Rancho leaders check the map on the city’s five-year road trip
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Rio Rancho residents wondering where their city is headed, and who’s holding the steering wheel, can find out Thursday when the Governing Body pulls over to check the map. Mayor Paul Wymer and the Governing Body meet at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 24 for a special work session, according to the […]
Posted inRio Rancho
Wine not? Rio Rancho council to decide whether a Northern Meadows home can uncork a licensed winery
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Life is short. That’s the Latin behind Vita Brevis, and Matthew Champlin has spent the better part of a year learning just how long it takes to turn a room in his Northern Meadows home into a licensed winery. The Rio Rancho Governing Body will decide Thursday whether to approve […]
Posted inCity Desk ABQ
‘Is the City the Grinch?’ Councilor slams decision to cancel Luminaria Bus Tour
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — For 70 years, Burqueños have celebrated Christmas Eve aboard the Luminaria Bus Tour, riding city buses through the Old Town and Huning Castle neighborhoods to see glowing luminarias and neighbors gathered around bonfires. Now, the city has ended the tradition, saying the tour is no longer cost-effective. At Monday’s […]
Posted inSandoval County
Fully charged: Sandoval County to weigh battery farm bonds, bridge fix and road cash
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Sandoval County’s Wednesday agenda comes fully charged. Commissioners will vote on bonds for two battery farms, a design to replace a Rio Puerco bridge that’s the only way in and out for some residents, and about $5.5 million in state road money. Commissioners meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Bernalillo. […]
Posted inRio Rancho
Lomas Encantadas residents push back against proposed development that could take away part of their neighborhood park
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Lomas Encantadas neighbors want the city to slam the brakes on a plan for the city to sell a part of their neighborhood park to a developer who plans to build more than 50 apartments and shops. The Planning and Zoning Board is scheduled to take up the issue at […]
Posted inCity Desk ABQ
Council Preview: City Council faces decisions on shelter and multiple appeals
By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Albuquerque city councilors on Monday will address development projects, city spending and the future of a controversial overnight shelter during a meeting that also includes a slate of routine appointments and contract approvals. During the Sept. 21 meeting, councilors are expected to formally adopt findings from the last meeting’s […]