January 2026 Meeting Minutes
6:30pm | Preservation Station | Bonnie Anderson presiding
Events Budget Update
Salley, our treasurer, reported that the last two events came in way under budget due to generous donations from neighbors!
Greek Church Update
One neighbor asked if the Church had submitted the lighting plan yet, as promised. Follow up is needed here.
Lutheran School Caroling
Nolan Schroeder, principal of the Lutheran School, thanked the neighborhood for participating in their caroling activity and let us know that the school would be helping with a neighborhood clean-up soon.
701 Coal Update
Santiago Aceves plans to remove the weeds from his vacant lot very soon. Plans to start building are on hold until he has purchased the property directly east from Star Paving.
Spring Yard Sale
Glen notified neighbors that the event has been moved to April.
Neighbors Art Show – 208 Broadway SE
Julie invited everyone to the opening of an art show Friday, Jan. 9, at Exhibit 208 featuring three artists who live in Huning Highland: Deborah Gavel, Eliza Schmid, and herself, Julie Wagner.
City Party Grants
As part of the promotion of redevelopment districts in the City, they are offering $500 grants to neighbors who live in those impacted areas to sponsor a block party. Scott said that the Press Club was actively pursuing a grant and wanted to involve the neighborhood. The issue was referred to Krista, Sultan of Community Engagement.
Lighting at ART Station
Harris noted that lights weren’t going on at the ART station until about midnight despite his repeated reporting of the issue. Carlos said he would follow up at the Citizen Advisory Transit Board.
Lead/Coal Survey
Bonnie encouraged neighbors to weigh in on the Lead/Coal traffic survey currently being conducted with regard to the area from I-25 to Washington. Respondents are asked to chose among several traffic calming measures: reduce speed limit to 25; reduce lanes from two to one; or make each street two-way. Here is the link to that survey that will undoubtedly impact our neighborhood: https://www.cabq.gov/municipaldevelopment/lead-and-coal-corridor-safety-alternatives-survey
Zoning Changes under City Council Review
Carlos outlined three significant zoning changes that will be part of the IDO two-year update, all changes that have been part of Huning Highlands evolution over the decades: allowing casitas, duplexes, and up to three town homes on a lot; and allowing small stores on corner lots with a major street. In addition, churches and non-profits would be able to support up to 10 homeless families on their property with proper sanitation and security. The neighbors at the meeting discussed these proposals for “gentle density” and, by an informal show of hands, supported these proposals. Carlos will draft a letter of support that will be circulated by email to Board members for approval.
If neighbors want to email support directly, it is suggested that they contact Councilor Joaquin Baca (joaquinbaca@cabq.gov). In addition, they are encouraged to attend upcoming Council meetings Jan. 14 and 28 and sign up to speak. Neighbors may also want to sign the letter of support developed by Strong Towns: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAMPL-2zGHpv0cjb7r9ri9Ro1mNbgld6I9a2Bf2-TEaub3pg/viewform
The Board may consider future action after more time to consider the impact of other proposed changes: https://abq-zone.com/ido-updates-2025
Indirectly related to the discussion on zoning, neighbors mentioned the negative effects that too many Airbnbs have on neighborhood health and vitality. This has been a recurring complaint without an easy solution.
Central Underpass
In response to a question, neighbors clarified that while both north and south pedestrian access is closed, street traffic is still open into downtown but not returning from downtown.