City Council has passed an ordinance requiring property owners of vacant buildings in Downtown Albuquerque to register with the city and pay a fee starting July 1. The measure, known as the Downtown Vacant Premises Ordinance, was approved by a 7-2 vote.
The ordinance targets properties located on Central from First to Eighth streets and from Copper to Gold avenues. According to the new regulation, these properties must be "weather tight," secured against trespassers, and safe for law enforcement emergencies.
Councilor Joaquín Baca introduced the proposal, highlighting concerns about deteriorating conditions along Route 66. "Somewhere along the way, it became okay for the most visible part of our city, the iconic Route 66, to just sit there, falling apart," Baca said.
The ordinance underwent revisions after its initial introduction in October. Terri Cole, President and CEO of Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, expressed support for Baca's efforts. "He’s right – we deserve a safe Downtown with clean and unobstructed sidewalks and occupied and well-maintained buildings," Cole stated. She also emphasized the Chamber's interest in collaborating on future ordinances addressing building vacancies.
The ordinance will take effect on July 1.
