Where They Stand: Q&A With Mayoral Candidates

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Albuquerque Journal Staff Report

Thursday, September 13, 2001

Should the city try to curb growth outside its fringes? If so, how? Should it provide incentives for development of older parts of the city such as Downtown?

BACA: Unfortunately, most Western cities have neglected their already built city by allocating the majority of their resources to growth on the fringes. Not only did the inner cities become neglected, their air quality and water resources were being wasted. We know that we will continue to grow at the fringes, but we should absolutely make it easier for developers to plan and build infill projects. We have to plan our growth in a fashion that shows we care for our city and its quality of life.
CHAVEZ: Intelligent growth mandates effective use of vacant buildings and land within the city before we extend our perimeters. Urban renewal funds are available. Private/public partnership - downtown, WHEELS museum, others - are growing in public demand. Neighborhood/biz associations will participate.
LEWIS: Rather than hindering growth, we need to manage growth. Plan developments comprehensively with cooperation between city county and state agencies. Create incentives for affordable housing and mixed-use infill but encourage new development that is comprehensive. Manage growth by properly preparing for the increased budget demands on infrastructure needs and basic services. New developments must be planned to ensure available housing, shopping, schools, health care, public safety, open space and recreation.
ARMIJO: I am not an advocate of "curbing growth on the fringe" through policy, but rather believe that city government should not subsidize it. I think that the city should attempt to maximize the land inventory that falls within the water service areas to reduce overall costs and utilize resources to rehab the existing infrastructure, which is aging.
HOMANS: The city must plan for growth and build infrastructure to meet the need. Developers can now issue their own bonds to enhance services. The city should provide fast-track permitting for infill projects and help developers in working with neighborhood groups.
SCHWARTZ: About 70 percent of our growth comes from children born here, so we can exile our kids or we can learn to grow. I support infill development, but growth is essential to our future.
MCENTEE: I don't believe the city should curb growth on the fringes. Infill is always good and will happen naturally in a free market. If we put up an artificial growth boundary, we will only drive up housing costs for our citizens. We must be prepared for growth because it is happening no matter what. By being proactive with our infrastructure, we will grow how and where we decide as a community.