Downtown businesses and neighbors urge city to halt Santa Fe College street closure plans
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Summary
Two downtown small‑business owners and neighbors told commissioners they were not notified about a license agreement granting Santa Fe College use of a street near local businesses, warning a closure would harm customers and livelihoods and asking the city to keep the street open.
Two downtown business owners and residents spoke during public comment to object to a license agreement that would close a two‑way stretch of Northwest 5th Street near Santa Fe College’s downtown property.
Richard Solwack (owner of a jewelry and pawn business on NW 5th Street) told commissioners he and neighbors were not notified about the license agreement and asserted the city violated Sunshine Law notification norms. Solwack said the proposed closure to allow vehicle‑testing or campus uses would cut off customer access and endanger his business operations that have been on the street for 41 years. He urged the commission to keep the road open and reconsider the agreement.
Valerie Phillips, a restaurateur across from Santa Fe, said her nearly 27‑year business depends on street access and nearby parking; she described learning about construction work without prior notice and said closing the street would threaten her livelihood. Phillips urged commissioners to reconsider closures and suggested alternatives, such as using existing on‑site parking or other Santa Fe property for testing or relocation of mechanical programs.
City staff noted the issue was not on that day’s agenda; commissioners thanked the speakers and said staff would follow up to share information with them.
What happens next: Commissioners and staff acknowledged the comments and said city staff will follow up with the speakers even though the item was not part of the current agenda.