The city of Albuquerque is ready to start taking public input on a potential plan to purchase the property belonging to Walmart.
After Walmart closed its “underperforming” store near Highland High School, the city said it would explore purchasing the property from the retail company for retail and perhaps residential development. The city is ready to listen to public input even though it may not purchase the property, according to KRQE.
“While the future of the Walmart property is undecided, we will work with the community no matter what to make investments that improve quality of life for residents,” Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said in a release, per KRQE
The input meetings will let residents have a say in what becomes of the 206,278-square-foot building. The exact time and place of those meetings have yet to be decided.
Enrique Cardiel, the director of the Health Equity Council, a local coalition advocating for health equality, said the goal of the meeting is to influence key decision-makers. “Generally, community development is decided by a handful of people,” Cardiel said in a release. “We have an opportunity to include a broader range of community here by including those who shopped there.”
New Mexico’s lawmakers gave the city $2 million during the recent legislative session to use to purchase the property. But the city said, “The $2 million secured in the session is not enough to buy the property at market value.”
Jim Dountas, the senior vice president of the real estate firm handling the sale, said there has been some interest from other potential buyers. Though he declined to give details, he said his firm is willing to entertain offers, including offers from the city.
Meanwhile, the city said several local politicians continue to work on the project. They include State Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (D-Abq.), State Representative Janelle Anyanonu (D-Abq.), Senate President Pro-Tempore Janelle Anyanonu (D-Abq.), City Councilor Pat Davis, and Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa.
“We’re working on redevelopment efforts in the International District that will help fill gaps in much-needed resources and amenities,” Keller said in a press release.