[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6493671,"mediaKeyId","5528765-aaa082c63bc52510d7f155e124541332","parentId",5528765,"title","Downtown businesses urge action over encampments near Quirky Books; administration cites legal limits and cleanup efforts","audioSeconds",1126,"startMs",886000,"endMs",2012000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5528765-aaa082c63bc52510d7f155e124541332&start=886&end=2012","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5528765-aaa082c63bc52510d7f155e124541332/thumbnail_886000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6493671/Albuquerque/Bernalillo-County/New-Mexico/Downtown-businesses-urge-action-over-encampments-near-Quirky-Books-administration-cites-legal-limits-and-cleanup-efforts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6493671-8c65968cc00f10b606b713fa66b4c374/orig.mp4?Expires=1771024314&Signature=KYZOTpHy9aLHeY0aU-YXOKn~hI6zZ1lBZHwL6Spia6caD0R~3zVpUjgwMwRwVKc~gVkOJWUIiUkehkjk-pNscwItiLL~OWgFqy82j-w5lSB6~pdFx9Z3k1zihUzz02AxbN1O7t-i5Vz8aiPyNu0~RdYkEJp1uOBWThwv62rOc5CNy6D-ZCKKvvrRZJCkHe7dCVthuIOC48ii9Rh4dBUjXL1YnEjF~YIrRvwo6eUgRRwmupQ62GeMs3xF7rGXdnFwU1yGu-gbLkCbz35dSyXawoVVVFFWbBrpA~0q~HhZFf3jkv6QHn2G55SrY7~g4Oj3yZtZmFTKaBPlDGU-XRlTMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Albuquerque","date","2025-08-04T00:00:00Z","article","Multiple downtown business owners and residents told the Albuquerque City Council on Monday that a property near Jefferson and Central known as Quirky Books has become a magnet for illegal camping and drug activity, creating sanitation and safety problems that are affecting daily operations.

Speakers from neighboring businesses and educational programs described daily needle finds, feces, broken windows, and violent and unsanitary activity spilling onto adjacent lots and into private parking areas. Edward Fitzgerald, identifying himself as a neighbor on Jefferson just north of Central, said the property “has allowed illegal camping of homeless and has created unsanitary conditions around the entire neighborhood,” listing discarded drug paraphernalia and public bathing as recurring problems.

Owners and managers of nearby businesses including the Albuquerque School of Healing Arts said they spend staff time cleaning up needles and waste and repair vandalism. “We are spending a lot of money fixing broken windows,” said Sarah Farrell, who asked for help and more proactive enforcement.

City staff told the council that the City has pursued code enforcement actions against the property. Ms. Keith, the city’s general counsel, said citations were issued to Quirky Books, the property appealed to the hearing officer, and the hearing officer imposed a $1,500 fine that is now appealed to district court. She said the property has also filed a motion asking the New Mexico Board of Appeals to take up the issue.

The CAO described interdepartmental responses involving code enforcement, APD, solid waste crews and outreach teams. “We have multiple departments that are working in concert with each other to ensure that if there is illegal activity, we are ensuring that APD has an appropriate response and that is reported to them,” the CAO said. Staff emphasized the city’s limits under existing law and court processes but said they were coordinating cleanups and outreach, and working with the shelter/outreach “interaction team” to offer services to people living on the property.

Councilors pressed the administration for data about arrests, trespass enforcement, and 311/242 calls for the corridor. Councilor Sanchez requested specific arrest and citation statistics; the CAO said area command could provide that information after it is compiled.

Small-business speakers urged more rapid action, including more consistent enforcement, better coordination to clean and secure lots, and additional resources targeted to the corridor. Councilor Rogers said business owners in his district told him funding and repair programs have focused downtown in prior rounds and asked for more equitable distribution to other districts.

The administration said it would provide additional information to councilors on arrests, citations, and code enforcement status and would convene follow-up meetings with the affected business owners.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Albuquerque - City Council on 2025-08-04 5:00 PM - TWENTY-SIXTH COUNCIL - THIRTY-FIFTH MEETING","oneSentenceSummary","Business owners near Quirky Books on Jefferson told the City Council they face repeated illegal camping, drug paraphernalia and vandalism that have harmed operations, while the administration said it issued citations and is coordinating code enforcement, APD and cleanup efforts.","taxTitle","Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico","taxId",2710,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6493680,"City Council tightens rules on public sale of pets, adds enforcement steps to HEART ordinance",1335,6261000,7596000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5528765-aaa082c63bc52510d7f155e124541332&start=6261&end=7596","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5528765-aaa082c63bc52510d7f155e124541332/thumbnail_6261000.jpg","/articles/6493680/Albuquerque/Bernalillo-County/New-Mexico/City-Council-tightens-rules-on-public-sale-of-pets-adds-enforcement-steps-to-HEART-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6493680-6c7d78065fcc16b9d72a9c7599edbbf7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771024314&Signature=BRT7uQluHbOvxYiOUIz-V-UFBMOX-nis5UetOGqSsamNzsiMOo-HfH5qG3yBtKM9iHdCnjbcfxy8kNjkgiAr9ZvGPBFJzR8GYwF4P42kuYTAaRM1d2hdYnzyvtpQBfxz~kETBdNX4tmPNPDgbJkCnpSoj5FLaU9e~SKLhF4hder9Xad4grb5BH0PRw0~iA3M7SAN4~Q6ltlcqUJ6HwDALphIcS0hoCZyp~EO0ZWNnRBAVlP8bvOKNNjToJJM~Su~WdBkCCUoPyGVNMpPUXlwKgkBYldOt7EREl-hcp2tfiyd-cvRR8iclmVuec6G4XJBfWtlcjJd8X5PpxgTzUKS0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Albuquerque City Councilors on Monday approved changes to the city’s HEART ordinance that bar public sale or gifting of dogs and cats and give Animal Welfare clearer authority to seize animals shown for sale in public.

The council passed O-84 as amended on a 9-0 vote after floor amendments clarified that any animal released from the shelter must be altered and microchipped before release; animals seized under the new language will not be eligible for an intact permit; and an animal not reclaimed within 10 days becomes the property of the Animal Welfare Department.

The measure aims to curb backyard breeding and street sales that Animal Welfare and rescuers say are driving high intake and illness at the shelter. Councilor Peter Piedelkorn, sponsor of the ordinance changes, said the amendments ensure seized animals “are going to get spay, neuter, and hopefully eventually get put up for adoption for somebody that actually cares about them.”

In public comment, volunteers and rescue groups urged more mobile spay/neuter services and community outreach. Laura Cunningham asked the council to “support Albuquerque Animal Welfare by making a two‑year professional services agreement between the city and private mobile spay/neuter clinics” and to park clinics near encampments so people can access services.

Animal Welfare Director Ortega told the council the department will continue offering warnings, civil fines and criminal citations as capacity allows. “We enforce the laws to our capacity,” Ortega said, adding that the department has issued civil fines and that roughly 40% of civil fines issued in the past year have been paid. Ortega also said the department is scheduling mobile clinics and working with partners to increase access to low‑ or no‑cost spay/neuter and microchipping in neighborhoods with high need.

Council members debated enforcement logistics and the balance between punitive and supportive approaches. Councilor Fiebelkorn described the change as targeting commercial breeders and sellers who ignore existing permit requirements: “If you are selling dogs and cats in public spaces in our city, you are breaking the law, and we are going to fix that problem,” she said.

The council and staff also discussed court processing time and workload in city legal offices. City legal staff noted that criminal prosecutions go through the courts, which can delay outcomes; the ordinance adjustments are intended to give Animal Welfare clearer administrative options to remove animals from unsafe situations while preserving owners’ opportunity to reclaim pets after compliance steps.

The ordinance passed with unanimity. Councilors directed staff to meet with community groups about implementation and to return with operational plans for coordinated enforcement that include mobile clinics, clearer outreach materials and a process for pairing citations with offers of services.

The council action follows months of public comment from residents and rescues who said street sales, tethering and unserved litters are harming animals and public health. Supporters said the ordinance aligns enforcement with increased community outreach and low‑cost services; critics at the meeting urged strong support services for low‑income and unhoused pet owners so enforcement does not simply remove animals from the people caring for them.

Councilors said they will monitor impacts and asked staff for quarterly updates on enforcement, outreach and the use of mobile clinics.","Albuquerque City Councilors on Monday approved amendments to the HEART ordinance that bar public sales of dogs and cats and allow Animal Welfare to seize animals shown for sale and ensure they are spayed, neutered and microchipped before release.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6493676,"Council defers votes on Gateway shelter operating contracts as staff, lawmakers seek state funding",2397,3643000,6040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5528765-aaa082c63bc52510d7f155e124541332&start=3643&end=6040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5528765-aaa082c63bc52510d7f155e124541332/thumbnail_3643000.jpg","/articles/6493676/Albuquerque/Bernalillo-County/New-Mexico/Council-defers-votes-on-Gateway-shelter-operating-contracts-as-staff-lawmakers-seek-state-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6493676-f90d3ea0623a0d965c6b562a907079a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771024314&Signature=lbyW~rAJOlvfthEUYJWQRWsg1rkXC8vkYB7IewUOTmsMlkjrbUVkcwiY4Xd3kUyWGfeZ1CDl4aoSfWETcEtk7Jn7DE9KFy88eAuDvZK4S5sZHUnseq6W5SavE5FitbMjtMgijTC1atTBr0hBKFK5tkeV5aLYKqqHJvPZIzS8RERh-0xmwFnuuXnpxvOkQeZs4EUA~0nYBdRGH~DStTYyUqEJcZy7XOzLyKiG0w09SAxuSGTzw8y5Fzg50wkzA42hkgsOvt6QMGssNp89imXmBHKDBw58FP8DDcHDZv0D-1sqbzPS9UBAxuZOIOCcVCrs-P~IR7hkhke~QLkWpZMklw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Albuquerque City Council voted this week to defer two contracts that would add operating funds for Gateway housing navigation centers while the administration continues negotiating state funding.

Councilors voted to defer EC-426, a request to add funds to a professional services agreement with Chicanos Por La Cosa to expand Gateway women’s housing navigation services, until the next council meeting. The motion for deferral passed by a 6-3 vote. A related request, EC-427, asking to add funds to a Community Bridges agreement to expand men’s navigation services, was deferred for two weeks on a 7-2 vote.

The items grew contentious in committee and during public comment. Several business owners and residents described unsanitary conditions near a downtown property and urged faster openings for Gateway beds; others questioned program costs and whether the City is using state capital dollars for operations.

Public commenter James Freeman raised cost concerns and compared program costs to vouchers: “This is a 100 beds for $3,600,000 — $36,000 a bed,” he told the council, adding that housing vouchers the city funds cost far less. Other speakers urged speed and transparency in opening beds for shelter and navigation services.

Administration staff said the contracts are for operations only and that capital and facility readiness differ by site. Officials told councilors that some buildings have certificate of occupancy and that beds and basic capital preparations are in place, but state operational funding remains a pending condition. The CAO said the administration is actively discussing funding with the governor’s office and other state partners and that it will not execute operating contracts without appropriated funds. “We would not enter into a contract without the funds appropriated,” the CAO said in discussion.

Councilors pressed for clearer accounting and program budgets. Several called for a written breakdown of operating costs by contract and asked how the city would sustain operations if promised state funds did not arrive. Administration counsel and contract staff said the proposed agreements include appropriation clauses and that the city would return with solutions if funding is not available.

Councilor Justin Rogers and others urged the administration to use a single, transparent list for all housing dollars — including the larger HB2 allocation the city expects — so Council can track priorities and the spending plan. Rogers also asked the administration to present operating budgets for each Gateway contract, distinguishing tenant costs, program staffing and overall facility operating costs.

The administration agreed to provide more detailed budgets and to continue state discussions; councilors postponed votes to allow review. Staff said their goal is to position contracts so the city can sign quickly if and when funding is confirmed.

Key clarifying details discussed at the meeting included:
- The requests include expansion to reach an additional roughly 92–100 navigation beds across men’s and women’s sites if funding arrives.
- The administration is seeking state operational funding and said it is “hopeful” funding will be confirmed soon but gave no firm date.
- Council and public commenters compared program operating cost per bed to the city’s housing voucher program; commenters argued vouchers may be more cost‑efficient in some cases.

Councilors voted to defer both items to give time for the administration to supply requested budget detail and to wait on state funding decisions.","Two executive communications to fund Gateway men’s and women’s navigation centers were deferred after councilors pressed administration on costs, bed counts, and where operations funding will come from.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6493663,"Council approves resolution to accelerate District 2 affordable housing projects, adds review steps",1357,9513000,10870000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5528765-aaa082c63bc52510d7f155e124541332&start=9513&end=10870","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5528765-aaa082c63bc52510d7f155e124541332/thumbnail_9513000.jpg","/articles/6493663/Albuquerque/Bernalillo-County/New-Mexico/Council-approves-resolution-to-accelerate-District-2-affordable-housing-projects-adds-review-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6493663-5cb44f49f5e5812b8b4c2358fc35390d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771024314&Signature=cei9OQ3kCeTkYbJWB9Mu56g0PCyd-F-ZfmMPwOlV45ZcN69ZKnp93IE68BZQvDj0M-ApNCnUbdJWMk8X3YFy50pgXcJRU7X90zgea5phq8vFcDYWK02REgJGZLj2~lKb-eHky9RNZRa7FfcTQX2FUQhC4aNZtmLt9kmE33uoPolfzqfwAkvDdrGVT2YU1oGp63K2zQ7sfLIM310Cb6s8PGAloxyA2o6JkaOGNMrlMwQKJ6Ow4uTaTQNgnueBJTxx6ylgle~5PBsubYT~5GzXAz~9q70U8pw-Gs~EaG7uCppkdfZUsMWJpgGQezsD3MCaKUqYPG0pR24vtTiPBGI8Lg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Albuquerque City Council on Monday approved R-177, a resolution intended to expedite state capital outlay funds for a set of shovel‑ready affordable housing projects in Council District 2.

Councilor Baca introduced the measure, saying the resolution clears administrative steps so the city can use available state funds to speed construction. The council adopted two technical amendments before final passage: one that requires the administration to accept applications from the projects listed and to complete an impartial review of each applicant under MFA (Mortgage Finance Authority) rules, and a second that corrected a drafting error to state that the units will serve households at 80% of area median income (AMI) or less.

Under the adopted amendment, the administration must complete its review and submit qualifying grantees to MFA no later than Oct. 15, 2025. The amended resolution also directs the administration to notify applicants immediately if they do not meet MFA standards and to offer guidance on addressing deficiencies.

Public commenters included project partners and neighborhood coalition representatives who urged the council to approve the resolution so projects could move forward quickly. Karina Ortiz, president of the Barelas Community Coalition, supported the measure and said the project would serve seniors and low‑income residents in the neighborhood.

Council discussion focused on transparency of affordability requirements and ensuring long‑term affordability protections. Several councilors asked the administration to include land‑use or other covenants to preserve affordability; developers and partners said low‑income housing tax credit financing and related land‑use restrictions are anticipated for some projects and that they are open to formalizing long‑term affordability covenants where required.

The motion for a due pass as amended passed unanimously. Councilors asked the administration to provide any further conditions or land‑use restrictions that will guarantee long‑term affordability and to ensure projects follow MFA requirements and procurement rules so state funds can be drawn without delay.","The council unanimously approved R-177 after amendments clarifying affordability targeting and review steps to comply with MFA rules; the administration must review applicants and submit qualifying grantees to MFA by Oct. 15, 2025.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6493668,"Council holds executive session on intergovernmental complaint, affirms limited discussion",106,153000,259000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5528765-aaa082c63bc52510d7f155e124541332&start=153&end=259","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5528765-aaa082c63bc52510d7f155e124541332/thumbnail_153000.jpg","/articles/6493668/Albuquerque/Bernalillo-County/New-Mexico/Council-holds-executive-session-on-intergovernmental-complaint-affirms-limited-discussion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6493668-05fa6a4daefbcd2748b76313b3a065f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771024314&Signature=NFVF8wYoTG9H57LTGD~QZqgijL8qOUOOss9a-b0y7lwBDF2kFP6HeDr6nkv62RxomWWmSyX~cZp44FzNQ9-Yp9Qipotoxtrp9DVgp394XEg2Sn~oyt24a2dabTIQ-Ha1PQE4tcvvcGsLskGY13zUzhpxdEIzcNhEBwnPCRQjPWyceXE2RiCEtWyUFC-B5kMfPI1oKwGqQtV7TKG3Ss4xckZtxg-OCzSsu0nd~OuhsWMzIBW2GdVPcGZaeMWatIDVW0dQD6DZMI05V4A6UMsL8MTC2bHQidEsIV3LxdUuvHqo4RJU9XSGCo1Vq3V1NSDmMjXUn7gSNWW2Tgi-TpnQAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Albuquerque City Council convened in executive session at the start of Monday’s meeting to discuss an intergovernmental conference committee complaint and related litigation, described in the motion as \"Intergovernmental Conference Committee complaint 012025 and relating litigation in Mayor Tim Keller versus Albuquerque City Council.\"

After the closed session, the council returned to the public meeting and a councilor affirmed that the matters discussed were limited to those specified in the motion for closure. The council recorded a unanimous vote to move into executive session and then reconvened, with the council president stating that the executive session had been limited to attorney‑client privileged matters.

No further public actions related to the litigation were taken during the meeting; the minutes show the council returned to regular business after the executive session and proceeded with other items on the agenda.","The Albuquerque City Council met in executive session to discuss an intergovernmental complaint and related litigation involving Mayor Tim Keller; the council later affirmed the session was limited to the stated attorney‑client matters.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Downtown businesses urge action over encampments near Quirky Books; administration cites legal limits and cleanup efforts

City Council tightens rules on public sale of pets, adds enforcement steps to HEART ordinance

Council defers votes on Gateway shelter operating contracts as staff, lawmakers seek state funding

Council approves resolution to accelerate District 2 affordable housing projects, adds review steps

Council holds executive session on intergovernmental complaint, affirms limited discussion