The Albuquerque Tribune published a story today about the city council’s meeting Monday on whether to again designate El Vado Motel a city landmark, thus protecting it from destruction.
One councilor is confident the council will follow the Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission’s unanimous recommendation and grant the designation.
Councilor Isaac Benton said he expects the council to pass his legislation – as they did two years ago – that would brand the motel a city landmark.
“I think there’s a sense citywide amongst our constituents that we’ve allowed too much of the city’s history to be torn down,” Benton said. […]
Benton said he expects a large turnout in support of his legislation.
“If you look back on the record when it was first landmarked,” he said, “it was amazing how many people came forward and said, `This is historic.’ “
And there’s this excerpt from motel owner Richard L. Gonzales, which I’ll leave with no additional comment:
He has already spent about $250,000 in economic assessments and attorney fees in what he said is a trivial battle against the city.
“To say the least,” he said, “it’s expensive, and it’s just somewhat insane, if you ask me.”
There’s still time to send an e-mail to the city council, asking it to preserve El Vado. Just go here.