Editor,
If there is an image that reflects how important UNM students are to the University and the City of Albuquerque, the crime map I printed Tuesday from the APD website is it.
The map shows the 439 crimes committed within a one-mile radius of UNM from Sept. 1–Nov. 1. It is easy to see that the majority of crimes are committed along Central Avenue, adjacent to main campus student housing and close to the site for the freshmen dormitory.
Those of us who spent so much time attending and providing input at the Student Housing Outreach meetings are disappointed that none of the improvements for pedestrian/bike access, providing more green/recreation/garden space, or improving the community interface on Girard Boulevard will be implemented in the first phase of housing.
We do not think 800 freshmen will (or should) be encouraged to live on the southeast end of campus and use alternative modes of transportation (mass transit, in particular) unless Central Avenue’s public safety is improved.
We believe a joint effort between the city and UNM is required to make that happen in the form of more surveillance around bus stops and Walgreens, improved lighting and pedestrian walkways, moving the parole office, eliminating parking lots and slowing traffic.
If steps are taken to improve public safety, then we also recommend retaining the summer bus schedule (longer hours) on Central Avenue during the school year to accommodate students who live, work and play downtown and in Nob Hill.
Without solid evidence that these changes can take place, UNM land on Lomas Boulevard — where mass transit, pedestrians and parking are much safer — would be a better site for freshmen student housing.
Susan Michie
Community member
