CITY of ALBUQUERQUE
TWENTY-SIXTH COUNCIL
COUNCIL BILL NO. O-24-3 ENACTMENT NO. ________________________
SPONSORED BY: Joaquín Baca and Klarissa J. Peña, by request
ORDINANCE
title Designation Of The Central Avenue Bridge Crossing Site As A City Landmark (Baca and Peña, by request)
body
DESIGNATION OF THE CENTRAL AVENUE BRIDGE CROSSING SITE AS A CITY LANDMARK.
WHEREAS, Pursuant to Section 3-22-3 NMSA 1978 of the Historic District and Landmark Act the City Council, the governing body of the City of Albuquerque, has the authority to adopt zoning districts designating certain areas as historical areas and to adopt and enforce regulations and restrictions within such districts relating to the erection, alterations and destruction of those exterior features of buildings and other structures subject to public view from any public street, way or other public place; and
WHEREAS, the authority conferred by the Historic District and Landmark Act is consistent with the authority of the City Council to amend the zone map for the physical development of the areas within the planning and platting jurisdiction of the City as authorized by Section 3-19-5 NMSA 1978, and by the City of Albuquerque’s home rule powers; and
WHEREAS, the protection, reuse, and enhancement of significant buildings, districts, and sites is a goal of the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the property owner, consents to the designation of the property as a City of Albuquerque Landmark; and
WHEREAS, the Central Avenue Bridge over the flood-prone Rio Grade was essential for transcontinental highway traffic to travel through New Mexico with every vehicle that went through Albuquerque on Route 66 from 1937 to 1983 traveling over two versions of the Central Avenue Bridge; and
WHEREAS, the Landmarks Commission, in its advisory role on historic preservation matters has recommended City Council approval of the landmark designation; and
WHEREAS, the Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) Subsection 14-16-6-7(C) provides for designation of landmark sites and structures; and
WHEREAS, the Landmarks Commission, on April 12, 2023, recommended that the City Council approve a designation of City Landmark Site on Central Avenue between Tingley Drive and Sunset Road; and
WHEREAS, the construction and implementation of the bridge in 1930 was the final event that helped federal officials accept the Santa Rosa-Laguna shortcut in New Mexico and realign Route 66 east-west through Albuquerque; and
WHEREAS, the construction of the Central Avenue Bridge in 1930 was the final state funded structure that motivated federal officials to reroute Route 66 and save 107 miles of travel.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE:
SECTION 1: That the Central Avenue Bridge Site be designated a City Landmark, as shown in Exhibit A.
SECTION 2: SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. If any section, paragraph, sentence, clause, word or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this ordinance. The Council hereby declares that it would have passed this ordinance and each section, paragraph, sentence, clause, word or phrase thereof irrespective of any provision being declared unconstitutional or otherwise invalid.
SECTION 3: OFFICIAL ZONING MAP. The City Planning Department shall update the official Zoning Map to reflect the adopted City Landmark designation for the Central Avenue Bridge Crossing Site over the Rio Grande River.
SECTION 4: EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall take effect five days after publication by title and general summary.
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