FOUR HILLS VILLAGE LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
City Councilor Don Harris - November 2008
Improving the Neighborhood
My focus has always been on improving the neighborhoods in our district, with Four Hills being one of the greatest neighborhoods in the entire City.
Working together, we have continued to make significant improvements to the neighborhood.Manzano Open Space: Case Closed, Gate to Remain, Easements Vacated
Working with the City legal department, the Mayor, and with the support of the Neighborhood Association, we were able to reach a final resolution of the Manzano Open Space litigation. This is something I have been working on since I took office.
The landowners are forever forbidden from using the easements to construct a development or acquire general access to any development through the Mnazano Open Space. The gate will remain forever.
This is an historic achievement, and the City was able to settle the lawsuit for approximately one-quarter of the amount ($3.2 million) suggested in a resolution that passed in 2001, but was vetoed by Mayor Jim Baca as being excessive. The recent settlement, by contrast, was mediated by a former Justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court, and recommended by him and by the City Attorney. Ultimately, and upon careful consideration and appropriate advice, Mayor Chavez and I agreed to ha e the City pay $850,000, which is to be divided among all landowners and includes the payment of any and all attorney fees.
This is an appropriate expenditure of public funds. Ending decades of dispute, the benefits to the City and to the neighborhood, especially, are significant. Not only did we get a great result working together, but we acquired that result at a reasonable cost to the taxpayers. This is truly great news, and the entire community can feel good about the accomplishment.
Traffic Calming and Bike Path/Multi-Purpose Trail
The striping has been completed, and speed signs have been installed on the west fork of Stagecoach. Assuming that the community supports the signs, the City will also install another pair of speed signs on the east fork of Stagecoach. The City will do more traffic and speed counts, and provide an update on how the new strategies are working in the months to come.
We have heard nothing but positive feedback regarding the striping, as it makes it safer for people to walk on the streets, and people in Four Hills love to walk! But remember, you are on the roadway, so please be careful.
Construction drawings are being developed for a Multi-Purpose trail that will go up the west side of Four Hills road from Hidden Valley. Pedestrian improvements will also be made to the south side of Stagecoach through the “Y.” This project is actually moving along well, but the surveying and construction drawings actually take longer than the construction itself, which should begin, and be completed, in the spring of 2009.
It is a privilege to serve as your City Councilor as we continue to work together to improve the neighborhood. You may always call me on my cell phone at 553-5674, or e-mail me at dharris@cabq.gov.