Residents in an Albuquerque neighborhood want the city to do something about an abandoned building that is attracting squatters and posing a safety threat to those living in the area.
The building formerly served as the Biomat Plasma building off Second Street in downtown Albuquerque. Now it's attracting people who are making area residents nervous. “I just hope to see somebody take over the site soon,” Phillip Baca, who also lives in the area, told KOB 4.
Baca said there used to be security guards around the property, but that ended when the facility ceased operations.
“I do have two small children, and seeing people walking around, doing things ... you never know what they are doing or what they are up to,” Baca said. “So, it’s unsettling.”
When contacted by KOB 4, the Albuquerque Police Department admitted it had received calls about the property. No break-ins have been reported, but officers patrolling the area did find someone outside the property who had warrants.
One resident said the presence of squatters on the abandoned property is putting the neighborhood on edge. “It’s pretty unnerving because you never know if they are dangerous or if they are just, you know, ill. It is pretty disturbing,” the concerned resident told KOB.
He said the sounds of confrontation are frequent. “I see homeless people going under the fence and putting things there, and then coming back later and getting them,” he said. “I see people living there, people yelling and screaming at the traffic.”
The city’s Planning Department advises concerned citizens to call 311 and report anything disturbing. The 311 Community Contact Center provides the community with speedy and easy access to City of Albuquerque information and services. Agents will answer questions and respond to requests for service from any department or division at the City. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency police calls, call 505-242-COPS(2677)."