The City Council of Roswell, NM, convened on April 10, 2025, to discuss several key issues, with a primary focus on the vacation of Ninth Street and an adjacent alley easement. The engineering department presented a recommendation to vacate these areas, which would relieve the city from maintenance responsibilities, including pothole repairs and curb maintenance.

The council reviewed the implications of this decision, noting that vacating Ninth Street would remove it from the city's maintenance inventory. This move is projected to save the city approximately $38,787.55 in future maintenance costs, as the area is not included in the current Mill and Field list for repairs following the 2024 flood.

Additionally, the vacation process would revert the land back to real property, generating taxable revenue for both the city and county. The council emphasized that this decision aligns with future planning, as Ninth Street currently dead ends at Virginia and has no potential for further development.

Concerns were raised regarding safety, particularly in relation to homeless individuals frequenting the area. The proposed changes aim to direct pedestrian traffic towards Virginia or Main Street, enhancing safety and police enforcement in the vicinity.

In conclusion, the council's decision to vacate Ninth Street and the alley easement reflects a strategic approach to urban planning and resource management, with potential benefits for city maintenance budgets and public safety. Further discussions and actions will follow as the council moves forward with this initiative.