The Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency of Albuquerque seeks to revitalize a stretch of Central Avenue located across from the University of New Mexico, according to a KRQE report.
The majority of the Central corridor is already designated as MRA which qualifies the region for a variety of benefits, including grants and incentives.
However, this corridor contains several vacant lots, particularly the area between University and Girard, which features the Brick Light District, as well as other vacant and boarded-up structures.
The MRA intends to help revitalize this region by utilizing 25% of this unused commercial space.
“Previous plans have identified things like the need for additional housing, so we partner with developers to bring in additional housing, or key infrastructure projects like the Rail Trail," MRA Manager Karen Iverson told the station. "So we’re working to build that to improve connectivity and pedestrian access."
Other approaches to accomplish this goal include providing incentives for emerging businesses to cooperate with existing businesses to help provide crosswalks, landscaping, lighting and other quality-of-life improvements.
Additionally, the map of the eligible area must first be authorized by the general public and then by the council before the MRA can begin developing its plan.
The MRA's first public meeting will be held through Zoom on Feb. 2 at 5:30 p.m.