Albuquerque task force takes over Desert Sands Motel

Albuquerque's Safe City Task Force took over control of the Desert Sands Motel after the property experienced a third fire there since May. The Route 66 motel faces an Oct. 1 deadline to make a good-faith effort to repair the property or the city will demolish it, reported KRQE-TV in Albuquerque. The city acted less than a … Continue reading Albuquerque task force takes over Desert Sands Motel

Third fire strikes closed Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque

A third fire since May broke out Saturday night at the now-closed Desert Sands Motel along Route 66 Albuquerque. According KQRE-TV, firefighters said homeless people started the blaze on a ground floor at the motel. They extinguished the blaze quickly, with no injuries. The first fire in May destroyed two-thirds of the structure, which was being … Continue reading Third fire strikes closed Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque

Contract signed for Albuquerque Rapid Transit construction

For better or for ill, Mayor Richard Berry on Wednesday signed a $82.6 million contract for a local firm to begin construction of the controversial Albuquerque Rapid Transit project along Central Avenue (aka Route 66). According to the Albuquerque Journal: Heavy demolition and disruptions along a nine-mile stretch of Central Avenue are expected to begin in … Continue reading Contract signed for Albuquerque Rapid Transit construction

University of New Mexico hosting Route 66 exhibit, lecture series

44 The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque is hosting an exhibit and lecture series this fall to commemorate the 90th birthday of Route 66. A news release from the university contains some details about the upcoming "Life and Times on New Mexico Route 66" exhibit at the university's Zimmerman Library: Route 66 was exciting for the … Continue reading University of New Mexico hosting Route 66 exhibit, lecture series

County’s puts nonbinding vote about ART on November ballot

Bernalillo County narrowly agreed to place a nonbinding vote on the November ballot, asking voters whether the controversial Albuquerque Rapid Transit project should be placed on another future ballot. The Albuquerque Journal reported county commissioners voted 3-2 along party lines -- with Democrats in the majority -- on the resolution Tuesday. Regardless of the Election Day outcome, the … Continue reading County’s puts nonbinding vote about ART on November ballot

Lowriders, twerkers shut down Route 66 in Albuquerque

By now, you've probably seen an Associated Press report about how an unauthorized music-video shoot Saturday turned into an impromptu street party of 300 people -- including lowriders and twerkers -- that shut down Route 66 in Albuquerque. It seems like a silly story for AP to distribute around the globe. But the news service chooses to highlight … Continue reading Lowriders, twerkers shut down Route 66 in Albuquerque

Appeals court lifts stoppage on Albuquerque Rapid Transit construction

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday lifted an injunction that prevented the city of Albuquerque from beginning construction on the controversial Albuquerque Rapid Transit project on Central Avenue, aka Route 66. The Albuquerque Journal reported construction may begin next week, although work may be pushed back to Sept. 3. The newspaper reported: Friday’s order simply lifts … Continue reading Appeals court lifts stoppage on Albuquerque Rapid Transit construction

Appellate court halts ART contruction

A federal appeals court on Monday put the brakes on construction of the $120 million Albuquerque Rapid Transit project, issuing a temporary restraining order. Construction was schedule to begin on ART as soon as Wednesday. The city of Albuquerque won a federal court battle late Friday when a judge refused to issue a restraining order against … Continue reading Appellate court halts ART contruction

What’s next for opponents of Albuquerque Rapid Transit?

Opponents of the $120 million Albuquerque Rapid Transit plan last week lost their courtroom bid to stop it, and construction likely will begin by Wednesday. However, ART foes still have a couple of arrows left in their quiver. --- ART opponents filed an appeal one day after the federal judge's ruling late Friday to turn down a preliminary … Continue reading What’s next for opponents of Albuquerque Rapid Transit?

Judge refuses to stop Albuquerque Rapid Transit construction

A judge late Friday refused to grant a preliminary injunction against construction of the nine-mile Albuquerque Rapid Transit bus system that would go down the heart of Central Avenue, aka Route 66. Construction on ART likely will begin by the middle of next week. The project will take at least 15 months to complete. U.S. … Continue reading Judge refuses to stop Albuquerque Rapid Transit construction