N C N A

North Campus Neighborhood Association

CRIME ALERT  April 11, 2011

Dear Friends,

We have started a revitalized neighborhood watch program in the North Campus Neighborhood which uses block captains to help lower crime rates.  I know many of you are very concerned by the dramatic increase in crime that has occurred in our neighborhood over the past months.  Last Sunday, April 10^th, a car was stolen from the parking lot of the Mennonite church at 10 am, and there are still a high number of burglaries and attempted burglaries of homes and cars throughout our neighborhood.

All too frequently, property crimes are preceded by ostensible “door to door salesmen” or knocking on the door of your home late at night.  Some neighbors have noticed that groups of people appear to be using our neighborhood as a staging area for illegal activities.  Please call 242-COPS if you feel that something is just not right, or that someone is trying to case your home.  Of course, call 911 if it is a real emergency.  Be sure not to place yourself in any danger, and do not directly confront anyone. But if you are able to take a quick photo (on your phone perhaps) or get a description and a license plate number, it could be very helpful.

If you are interested in being the block captain of your street, please contact Lindsay Patterson at lp.bourlatos@yahoo.com to get started. 

 The folks on Princeton, between Hannett and Indian School, have been very active in creating a strong neighborhood watch program.   They recently wrote a newsletter for their street, but I thought it was so informative and helpful, that I wanted to share it with all of you.  

The following letter was written by Patricia Comer on March 29, 2011:

Hello Neighbors!

I am your Block Captain for our newly formed Neighborhood Watch program.  I attended the "official" APD block meeting on March 26th.  It was a very informative meeting and I will highlight some of the notes that we compiled.  But, just minutes before the meeting started, our host Rich Adam noticed some unusual activity.  He wrote the following account:

In an episode that could only have been made for reality TV, we began this morning's meeting with ... an arrest!
 Just after Crime Prevention Specialist Sandy Martinez-Pino of APD pulled up in front of our house, I noticed that the same vagrant who had come to our door yesterday (and whom I had reported to 242-COPS) was walking down the other side of the street toward Haines. I went out to greet Sandy and told her that that was the fellow I'd reported. Being a watchful officer, she had already noticed him as well, and that "he didn't fit in" in our neighborhood. As soon as our Sgt. Griego drove up, she informed him, and he went looking for the suspect. Little time had passed, so Sgt. Griego caught up with the man about a block and a half down Princeton. When he interrogated the man, it became clear that he was trying not to reveal his identity, so the sergeant called back-up and they finally determined that the man is a convicted burglar. Out on parole!
Well, not so much anymore. He's back in, and likely to have a longer visit this time.
 So the good sergeant came a bit late to our meeting, but joined in very helpfully.

Crime Prevention Specialist Sandy Martinez-Pino and Sgt. J. J. Griego made a presentation about Neighborhood Watch and related matters, that is, after Sgt. Griego arrested the vagrant!  Sandy told us of the important distinction between:

Burglary – you come home and find that someone has broken into your house and stolen your laptop, but no one is on the premises. 

Robbery – you come home and catch someone in the act of putting your lap top and some jewelry into a pillow case, and about to flee; OR, you catch this person in the act and he threatens you with a weapon either seen or implied.

These are important distinctions, because in the first case, you simply report the theft to APD through the Telephone Reporting Unit (# 768-2030) or go to the APD Web site and fill out the form.  If you do the on-line form, it is essential that you (1) make a printout of the report for future reference AND make sure that you see a Tab # and Case # in the upper-right hand corner of the report before you submit it. Keep a copy of those numbers for future reference. If those numbers do not appear, your report has not been received by APD.

The third way to report a non-violent crime is to go to the substation in the triangle at Central, Girard and Monte Vista, where two retired APD officers take such information daily during normal business hours.

It is absolutely critical for us to report EVERY theft or act of vandalism, regardless of how minor it may seem at the time (two cheap, five-year-old plastic chairs stolen off the patio? YES!), because no report means that APD has no incident. It didn’t happen. If they do have that report, they can do a better job of tabulating and mapping crime statistics.

If you do come across a robber, or see one emerging from your neighbor’s home, or witness an act of physical violence (or an accident), or otherwise feel threatened, CALL 911.  It is not our job to confront would-be intruders.  Calling 911 will trigger a high-priority response.

If a panhandler comes to the door and you turn him away, but do not feel threatened, make the report through 242-COPS.

Did You Know:  Sandy Martinez said that if there is a "tagging" on your lower curb in front of your house that it is a sign that is placed there by a transient person alerting other transients that you have a "soft touch".  I recommend you check your curb if you have transients coming to your door. 

For Your Safety : Door-to-Door Solicitation Information:

Addressing the component of safety, I have noticed an unusually large number of door-to-door solicitors recently and contacted the ABQ Treasury office to find out what the criteria is for solicitation.  

                1. A legitimate business will get a license to sell in ABQ.

                2. They will be issued a printed badge with their picture, name, address and name of business.

                3. They are required to display the badge when arriving at your door.

For your safety, it is recommended to have a storm or security door that is kept locked between you and the solicitor.  Do not let the solicitor enter your door even if they wish to demonstrate their product.    Call the police (non-emergency) 242-COPS if the solicitor does not have any visible credentials AFTER they leave your premises.  Do not threaten to call the police while they are standing at your door.  If it is an emergency, always call 911.  These small steps of precaution and a cool head will keep you safe.

There is a third area that do not come under either 911 or 242-COPS, and it includes complaints about trash in a neighbor’s yard, or failure to carry out basic maintenance, which falls under the jurisdiction of a different department. In such cases call 311 and ask to be directed to the appropriate unit of city government.

Home safety tips from APD's Sandy Martinez:

·Stand on your front walk and look at the approach to the house; do bushes, trees, other things make it easy for an intruder to hide? If so, trim.  Bushes should be no higher than 3 feet.

·Are your outside doors (as well as the door from the garage into the house, if you still use your garage as a garage) solid core, able to withstand serious assault? Do those doors have deadbolt locks?

· If you want to have a light in the driveway or back yard, install one with a motion sensor, so that it will come on only when someone is present, thereby alerting you to the presence of an intruder. Do not use a light that is left on all night long.

·Don’t make it easy for someone to approach your house and see in to where you might have a flat-screen TV, a play station or a laptop – the three most commonly stolen items in home burglaries. Put such equipment out of sight when not in use.

·When you plan to be away, tell your block captain, who will notify APD, so that the address is put on a watch list.

The Albuquerque Police web site (http://www.cabq.gov/police/index.html) has access to crime statistics under “crime mapping” [graphic representations of the neighborhoods]. We are located in the Southeast Command of APD (I-40 south to the city limits, I-25 east to Eubank), in the North Campus Neighborhood, in Beat 325 (I-40 south to Lomas, I-25 east to San Mateo).

--------------

Again, if we all work together, reporting suspicious incidents, theft, and looking out for one another, we can make a difference for the entire neighborhood.  Please talk to your neighbors, get to know them, and create a watch program for your block.  

All the best,

Sara Koplik, President NCNA

download PDF version

Neighbors for Green Space
North Campus Neighborhood Association
January 27, 2011

North Campus Neighborhood Winter Update

Dear Friends,

It’s been some months since we sent out a general letter about the North UNM Golf Course and life in the North Campus Neighborhood Association, and we felt it was time to give you an update.

• Unfortunately, crime is an increasing problem, and several areas have experienced break- ins and vandalism.

o    Our treasurer, Lindsay Patterson has attended seminars with the APD and is available to help people establish a neighborhood watch program on their block.  If you would like to join in this effort, Lindsay can be reached by email at info@neighborsforgreenspace.com.
o    There will be a citywide Neighborhood Association Patrol Training on Saturday, February 5th from 8 am to 12 noon at the Albuquerque Police Academy, 5412 Second Street NW.  Registration for the workshop will close on Friday, January 28, 2011.  Registration includes the name, address, telephone number and Neighborhood and/or Homeowner Association for each person attending.  If you have any questions concerning the Neighborhood Patrol Training, please contact either Pete Gelabert at 897-8803 or Bill Jackson at 839-6443.

Please e-mail (RSVP) registration to
Pete Gelabert at pgelabert@cabq.gov
–or–
Bill Jackson at wjackson@cabq.gov

o    Please take some time to meet with your neighbors and get to know them. There is no stronger solution to crime than neighbors watching out for each other, and it’s a great opportunity to get to meet some new friends and acquaintances

• Parking related to UNM is becoming an issue on the streets. In addition to some folks having no room to park on the street and the general safety of bikers and pedestrians,  criminals can easily blend in to the area with the constant traffic that comes into our neighborhood.

o    Several streets will be looking to post permit parking only, most especially Hannett. If non-resident parking is an issue on your block, and you would like to pursue a system of residential parking permits, please contact:

Leona Martinez
Parking Division Manager, City of Albuquerque
(505) 924-3950  or  924-3944
email:  lmartinez@cabq.gov
web: http://www.cabq.gov/parking/contact  

• Our neighborhood association is working hard to help improve conditions at the North UNM Golf Course.

o    In the spring of 2010, we received support from Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins to use Bernalillo County’s Community Program to clean up the perimeter along the golf course.  In two days, several tons of debris was removed from the perimeter path.
o    Later in the summer, PNM trimmed some of the trees along the 5th hole, removing dead wood and precarious large branches. This work supplemented their requirements to trim trees along the existing utility easements.
o    In December, NCNA paid for the equipment rental to enable tree trimming. The contractor who maintains the golf course, Mountain West Golfscapes, donated many hundreds of hours to make the course safer, and began to address the health of the existing tree stock on the course. We are grateful for the support that Mountain West provided, and we look forward to continuing this effort over the next several years.

• In total, we arranged for over $75,000 dollars in services to be provided to the UNM North Golf Course in 2010.  Considering the university’s budget crunch, these services helped to maintain the golf course, making it attractive to all and preventing further deterioration of the existing tree inventory. We will continue efforts to improve the golf course, demonstrating our commitment to creating a positive, cooperative relationship with UNM.

• Currently, we are focused on the effort to plant new trees and secure additional support for maintaining the UNM North Course, ensuring that it remains a vital part of our community.

o    This spring and summer, NCNA will be starting a “TREE PARTY” effort.  Our goal is to raise $25,000 to purchase new trees and shrubs for the course.

• This is a very exciting initiative.  We hope that every household will contribute to this effort in the manner to which it is able.

• When you enjoy the golf course, please be aware that we all need to do our part to help this special place.

o    Please pick up after your dog
o    Please respect the putting greens and sand traps.  They are a vital part of the course and we must stay off of these areas.
o    Please remember this is first and foremost a golf course, and that folks pay money to play. Please be respectful of golfers.
o    Last but not least, even good golfers cannot control their shots!  Being on the golf course is a hazard.  Please keep to the periphery trail.

• Master planning for UNM progresses. As many of you are aware, the architectural firm leading the master planning effort accepted many of our recommendations to secure open space and green fields. We anticipate that as the North Campus continues to grow, the golf course and open space behind the Mind Institute will increase in its social and environmental value, both as a buffer and a green space for the neighborhood and the university.

Lastly, what is on your minds?  We rallied as a neighborhood and as a community several years ago, when the golf course was threatened, and now it seems that things are progressing in a positive manner. Are there other issues or concerns that we need to be aware of? Do you agree with our efforts? Please contact us and let us know what you think.

You can reach the three neighborhood vice presidents via email to info@neighborsforgreenspace.com.

We are working on behalf of NCNA President Sara Koplik to make sure that we are an effective neighborhood association, and that we represent all of you. The more input we can get, the better our efforts can be as we work to create the best neighborhood in the city.


NCNA Vice Presidents

Tim Davis
David Friedlaender
Jon Spar

*Please feel free to share this email with neighbors, friends, and others.
**We are lacking email addresses for some of our residents, so please let others know they can send their updated contact info to info@neighborsforgreenspace.com.
________________________________________
Neighbors for Green Space is now on Facebook

Neighbors for Green Space
Save the North UNM Golf Course!
August 19, 2009

Subject:  Update and comment on the Dekker Perich Sabatini (D/P/S) Master Plan Presentation to the UNM Board of Regents  (8-11-09)
   

Dear Friends of the North Golf Course,

The proposed Master Plan fell short on several key areas:

- The Golf Course and Barren Fairways were described as “reserve lands.” Their preservation did not receive firm commitment.
- Parking and traffic management requires additional and substantive study, and planning
- No articulation of a mechanism for transparent communication between the University and the neighborhoods

While there were areas of agreement on the Master Plan, these three areas are of strong concern to the neighborhood and are critical to a successful and holistic approach to the future of UNM and the City.

We now have less than a 30 day window of public comment (window closes on Sept 9th) on the Master Plan. We would ask that you click on the attached link:  http://frem.unm.edu/PCD/university-planning/master-planning/index.html

*Unfortunately, since Oct. 2009, UNM's Master Planning webpages have been inaccessible to the public.*
You may still review many of the Master Plan documents from our website:  UNM Master Plan(s)
You may still send UNM your comments regarding the Master Plan:
planning@unm.edu

Please review the information that has been provided by UNM, and comment on their website if you have input that would be beneficial to the Master Plan process.  (If you’d like to share your comment with NCNA, please see the link at the end of this letter.)

As a refresher, the NCNA recommendations to D/P/S as requested by President Schmidly were as follows:

-  Long term preservation of the Golf Course
-  Reclamation of the parking lots currently on the Barren Fairways and inclusion of the Barrens into long term preservation strategy that would include both the golf course and the Barren Fairways
-  Relocation of the bike path from west of AMAFCA channel to east side of channel
-  Preservation of view to the horizon from the golf course and barren fairways area looking west
-  Closure of Tucker at Stanford
-  Direct university traffic onto primary arterial streets and away from campus neighborhoods.

The NCNA found that some NCNA goals were aligned with the D/P/S presentation of the Master Plan.

-  The reduction of traffic into the core campus and north campus areas.
-  NCNA supports the D/P/S /master plan suggestion to institute community and neighborhood input into the University’s ongoing planning process.
-  Promotion of additional student housing on campus.

In addition to the public comment at the UNM website, we have set up a posting board at our website, for folks to provide comments to the NCNA for inclusion into our ongoing communications with UNM.  Please feel free to go to our website, review our recommendations, and help us to communicate the needs of the community: 

Neighbors for Green Space Forum >  "UNM Master Plan"
 http://www.neighborsforgreenspace.com/forum

[Nov. 2009:  temporarily under maintenance]

Thank you for your continued interest and support.


Tim Davis
Vice President, North Campus Neighborhood Association

David Friedlaender
Vice President, North Campus Neighborhood Association

Jon Spar
Vice President, North Campus Neighborhood Association

www.NeighborsForGreenSpace.com

8/09/09:  "Master Plan Update - Regents Meeting, Aug.11 at 9:00 am"

Neighbors for Green Space
Save the North UNM Golf Course!
August 9, 2009

Dear Friends of the North Golf Course,

UNM Board of Regents Meeting*
Tuesday, August 11th @ 9:00 am
UNM Student Union Building
SUB Ballroom "C"

Information will be provided about UNM's most current draft Master Plan.
Click here for BOR Meeting Notice and Agenda

This coming Tuesday, August 11th, information will be provided about the most current version of UNM's Master Plan.   As many of you are aware from previous Master Plan meetings and discussions (most recently in March), a great deal of construction and development is planned.  This is most true for the North Campus, as well as significant impacts upon our neighbors to the west in Santa Barbara/Martineztown.

The North Campus Neighborhood Association has recently satisfied a request from the UNM Administration to provide our input into the Master Planning process.  We encourage you to review our "NCNA Recommendations for the UNM Master Planning process" - a PowerPoint presentation now available on our website:

"NCNA Recommendations for the UNM Master Planning process"
http://www.neighborsforgreenspace.com/thingstoknow/unmmasterplans.html

We hope you will have a chance to review our recommendations prior to attending the Board of Regents Meeting on Tuesday.  Our hope is that much of what we've recommended will be incorporated into the Master Plan.  In the least, we are all very interested to see how the most current draft master plan will impact the North Campus and our beloved North Golf Course.

Thank you for your continued interest and support.

Sara Koplik
President, North Campus Neighborhood Association

www.NeighborsForGreenSpace.com

*Public Comment may be considered at the Board of Regents Meeting as follows:
• Public Comment specific to an item on the Board’s agenda can be made when that agenda item is presented or at the beginning of the meeting.
• Public Comment unrelated to items on the Board’s agenda can be provided at the end of each Board of Regents Meeting prior to adjournment.

Neighbors for Green Space
Save the North UNM Golf Course!
March 9, 2009

Dear Friends of the North UNM Golf Course,
 
Many of you may be aware that the university is working on a new master plan to chart out its growth over the next decade or so.  A great deal of construction and development is planned, and this is most true for the north campus.  Fortunately, this new plan shows that the nine holes of golf will be maintained.  Neighbors for Green Space is very pleased that the university is willing to preserve this community resource for the future, and extends its sincere appreciation to the administration for this dramatic step forward.
 
However, the draft of the new master plan also shows that Camino de Salud will extend east, over the arroyo, and up into the barren fairways of the golf course.  It will then connect with Yale (where the Mind Institute is located).  This means that it will no longer be possible to walk or run on the golf course's periphery without fear of traffic.  Considerable development is planned for the golf course's barren fairways, including an extension of the Children's Psychiatric Hospital and a new adult Mental Health facility to replace the one currently located on Marble.  More detail can be found on our website:   www.NeighborsForGreenSpace.com
 
The plan for the north campus will not just impact the golf course area, it will also directly impact many neighborhoods surrounding the university, especially Santa Barbara/Martineztown, Spruce Park, Silver Hill, and Netherwood Park.  Other neighborhoods will face more indirect challenges, as well as impact from development plans for the main and south campus areas.

We are very concerned that the road through the golf course's barren fairways will fundamentally change the neighborhood, negatively affect the golf course and increase environmental concerns for the surrounding areas.
 
City Councilor Isaac Benton will convene a meeting to discuss the impact of the new UNM Master Plan for the neighborhoods surrounding the North Campus on Sunday, March 15th from 2:00-4:00pm in the Law School, room 2401.  Please let us know if you can attend by sending an RSVP to:  rsvp@neighborsforgreenspace.com  (or use our Contact Us webform).

Before UNM's Master Plan is finalized -- not after -- we need to hear from the communities who will be most at risk from them.  Please come and bring your questions!
 
Thank you very much,

Sara Koplik
President, North Campus Neighborhood Association

www.NeighborsForGreenSpace.com

Neighbors for Green Space
Save the North UNM Golf Course!
February 9, 2009

Dear Supporter of the North Golf Course,

At last Wednesday's Senate Education Committee hearing in Santa Fe, Senate Bill 70:  College Research Park Property Disposal (sponsored by Senator Cisco McSorley) received a "DO PASS" vote of 7-0 in favor of the bill (2 members did not vote/were excused).  This bill requires New Mexico universities to secure the approval of the State Board of Finance and the Higher Education Department before selling property worth over $500,000.  This bill would be very protective of the North Golf Course.  As you may recall, in 2007, the university seriously considered selling this treasured green space for a paltry $1 million.

Now SB 70 has moved forward to the Senate Public Affairs Committee.  If you can make it to Santa Fe for the Senate Public Affairs Committee hearing on Tuesday, February 10th at 2:30 pm, we would really, truly appreciate your support.  So that we may coordinate with you, please RSVP to:  rsvp@neighborsforgreenspace.com  (or simply reply to this email).  Please include a phone number in case we need to inform you of any last minute schedule change.  The hearing will be held in room 321 of the State Capitol. 

Support SB 70 !
  Senate Public Affairs Committee Hearing
Tuesday, February 10th @ 2:30 pm
State Capitol, Room 321

POSTPONED: Check HERE daily for updated schedule

WARNING:  LEGISLATIVE SCHEDULES CAN EASILY CHANGE !
If you plan to attend the hearing, please check the committee's schedule
to confirm that it is indeed on the agenda that day

If you can't make it up to Santa Fe on Tuesday, please take a few minutes to e-mail members of the Public Affairs Committee.  Please use polite and respectful language.  Tell them that you support SB 70, as it would provide protection for important community resources like the North UNM Golf Course.  You can talk about how UNM considered selling the property, and if SB 70 had been in place, there would have been additional safeguards.  (Below we've included a sample letter you may copy-and-paste into your own email to the senators;  feel free edit and use your own words.)

Thank you for all of your continued support.


Sara Koplik
President, North Campus Neighborhood Association


Senate Public Affairs Committee

Sen. Dede Feldman, Chair  dede.feldman@nmlegis.gov  (505) 986-4482
Sen. Tim Eichenberg, Vice Chair  tim.eichenberg@nmlegis.gov  (505) 986-4859
Sen. Vernon Asbill  vernon@asbillforsenate.com  (505) 986-4393
Sen. Mark Boitano  boitanom@aol.com  (505) 986-4366
Sen. Mary Jane Garcia  maryjane.garcia@nmlegis.gov  (505) 986-4726
Sen. Eric G. Griego  eric.griego@nmlegis.gov  (505) 986-4862
Sen. George K. Munoz  munozgeo@gmail.com  (505) 986-4387
Sen. Cynthia Nava  cynthia.nava@nmlegis.gov  (505) 986-4834
Sen. Gay Kernan, Ranking Member  ggkern@valornet.com  (505) 986-4274


>- - - - - - -  [  BEGIN sample letter in support of SB 70  ] - - - - - - -<

To:  [copy-and-paste these email addresses]
dede.feldman@nmlegis.gov, tim.eichenberg@nmlegis.gov, vernon@asbillforsenate.com, boitanom@aol.com, maryjane.garcia@nmlegis.gov, eric.griego@nmlegis.gov, munozgeo@gmail.com,  cynthia.nava@nmlegis.gov, ggkern@valornet.com

Subject:  PLEASE SUPPORT SB 70!

[message:  feel free to edit/add your own words]

State of New Mexico
FORTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE
FIRST SESSION, 2009

Senate Public Affairs Committee
Sen. Dede Feldman, Chair 
Sen. Tim Eichenberg, Vice Chair 
Sen. Vernon Asbill 
Sen. Mark Boitano 
Sen. Mary Jane Garcia 
Sen. Eric G. Griego 
Sen. George K. Munoz 
Sen. Cynthia Nava 
Sen. Gay Kernan, Ranking Member 

Dear Members of the Senate Public Affairs Committee:

I strongly support Senate Bill 70:  College Research Park Property Disposal, sponsored by Sen. Cisco McSorley.
SB 70 would provide protection for important community resources like the North UNM Golf Course in Albuquerque.
UNM considered selling the property, and if SB 70 had been in place, there would have been additional safeguards to protect it. 

I urge you to support SB 70.

Thank you,

[your name]
[street address]
[city, state, zip code]
[phone number]


>- - - - - - -  [  END sample letter in support of SB 70  ] - - - - - - -<


_____________
useful links:

Senate Public Affairs Committee
http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/committeedisplay.aspx?CommitteeCode=SPAC
Tuesday, Thursday (Room 321) & Friday - 2:30 p.m. (Room 303)

SB 70:  COLLEGE RESEARCH PARK PROPERTY DISPOSAL (Sponsor: Cisco McSorley)
Senate Bill website:  http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/_session.aspx?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=%20%2070&year=09

SB 70 (PDF file):
http://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/09%20Regular/bills/senate/SB0070.pdf

SB 70 (Text of Bill, viewable online): 
http://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/09%20Regular/bills/senate/SB0070.html

Rail Runner
http://www.nmrailrunner.com/

Rail Runner:  South Capitol Station (1301 Alta Vista)
http://www.nmrailrunner.com/south_capitol.asp

Bus Connections from South Capitol Station:
Legislative Shuttle: 
Use this special shuttle during the legislative session to travel between the South Capitol Station and the Roundhouse.
Schedule: (PDF file)
http://www.nmrailrunner.com/PDF/Legislative%20Shuttle.pdf


www.NeighborsForGreenSpace.com

2/02/09:  "Support SB 70 = Support the Golf Course!"

Neighbors for Green Space
Save the North UNM Golf Course!
February 2, 2009

Dear Supporter of the North Golf Course,

The Legislative Session is in full swing.  Senator Cisco McSorley has introduced Senate Bill 70:  College Research Park Property Disposal.  This bill requires New Mexican universities to secure the approval of the State Board of Finance and the Higher Education Department before selling property worth over $500,000.  This bill would be very protective of the North Golf Course.  As you may recall, in 2007, the university seriously considered selling this treasured green space for a paltry $1 million.

Please show your support for Senate Bill 70.  If you can make it to Santa Fe for the Senate Education Committee's hearing on Wednesday, February 4th at 8:00 am, we would really, truly appreciate your support.  Please RSVP to rsvp@neighborsforgreenspace.com (or use our Contact Us form) so that we can coordinate with you.  The hearing will be held in room 311 of the State Capitol. 

Support SB 70 !
Senate Education Committee Hearing
Wednesday, February 4th @ 8:00 am
State Capitol, Room 311

If you can't make it up to Santa Fe on Wednesday morning, please take a few minutes to contact members of the Senate Education Committee.  Please use polite and respectful language.  Tell them that you support SB 70, as it would provide protection for important community resources like the North UNM Golf Course.  You can talk about how UNM considered selling the property, and if SB 70 had been in place, there would have been additional safeguards. 

Thank you for all of your continued support.


Sara Koplik
President, North Campus Neighborhood Association


Senate Education Committee

Sen. Cynthia Nava, Chair  cynthia.nava@nmlegis.gov  (505) 986-4834

Sen. John Sapien  john.sapien@nmlegis.gov  (505) 986-4371

Sen. Gay Kernan  ggkern@valornet.com  (505) 986-4274

Sen. Vernon Asbill  vernon@asbillforsenate.com  (505) 986-4393

Sen. Stephen Fischmann  stephen.fischmann@gmail.com  (505) 986-4377

Sen. Mary Jane Garcia  maryjane.garcia@nmlegis.gov  (505) 986-4726

Sen. Timothy Keller  tk@timkellerfornewmexico.com  (505) 986-4260

Sen. John Pinto  John.Pinto@nmlegis.gov  (505) 986-4835

Sen. Sander Rue  sanderrue@comcast.net  (505) 986-4375

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
useful links:

SB 70:  COLLEGE RESEARCH PARK PROPERTY DISPOSAL (Sponsor: Cisco McSorley)
Senate Bill website:  http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/_session.aspx?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=%20%2070&year=09

SB 70 (PDF file):
http://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/09%20Regular/bills/senate/SB0070.pdf

SB 70 (Text of Bill, viewable online): 
http://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/09%20Regular/bills/senate/SB0070.html

Senate Education Committee
Monday, Wednesday & Friday - 8:00 a.m. (Room 311)
http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/committeedisplay.aspx?CommitteeCode=SEC

Rail Runner
http://www.nmrailrunner.com/

Rail Runner:  South Capitol Station (1301 Alta Vista)
http://www.nmrailrunner.com/south_capitol.asp

Bus Connections from South Capitol Station:
Legislative Shuttle: 
Use this special shuttle during the legislative session to travel between the South Capitol Station and the Roundhouse.
Schedule: (PDF file)
http://www.nmrailrunner.com/PDF/Legislative%20Shuttle.pdf


www.NeighborsForGreenSpace.com

1/18/09:  "Golf Course Master Plan Meeting Jan.22 @ 5:30 pm"

Neighbors for Green Space
Save the North UNM Golf Course!
January 18, 2009

Dear Friends of the North UNM Golf Course,

Please join us for a community meeting on Thursday, January 22nd starting at 5:30 pm in room 2402 of the Law School. 

We will be meeting with Mary Kenney, Associate Vice President for Facilities Management (and member of the Health Sciences Center Master Plan Executive Committee), and other members of UNM's Administration.  This is another valuable opportunity for us to learn more about what is happening on and around the golf course.  Please bring your questions about the Master Plan's recommendations for the North Campus and the newly privatized management of the golf course.  We will also have an update on the construction of the Court of Appeals building, and learn more about three more requests to change UNM's air quality permits. 

As you may know, many of the trees on the golf course are reaching the end of their life expectancy.  Some people have expressed interest in planting trees to honor the memory of loved ones.  This may be an exciting new project where community members can join with the university to help maintain the beauty of this cherished green space. 

We begin  a new year with the North Golf Course surrounded by construction projects:  the massive iron scaffolding of UNM Hospital's expansion, the Court of Appeals structure between the golf club house and the Law School, and from the barren fairways we see the rapid growth of the Domenici Mind Institute and of UNM's new cancer hospital west of University Blvd.  We believe that UNM's Master Plan is following the recommendations of the North Golf Course Community Advisory Board.  UNM's Administration continues to exhibit more cooperation with the community.  This is in no small part due to your extraordinary support and participation.  Because of you.  So, though attending another planning meeting may not sound too exciting, it is however the kind of involvement that is so valuable and necessary to further our goal of preserving the North Golf Course. 

I hope to see you at Thursday's meeting. 
Your interest and activism continues to make a real difference on the golf course,
and in the life of our community. 

Thank you so very much,

Sara Koplik
President
North Campus Neighborhood Association

www.NeighborsForGreenSpace.com

Neighbors for Green Space
Save the North UNM Golf Course!
November 14, 2008

Dear Golf Course Supporter,

This summer, many of you wrote letters to the City Environmental Health Department's Air Quality Division about a permit which the University of New Mexico Hospital requested for new emergency generators.  On October 6^th, we had a public meeting with members of the UNM and UNMH administration to discuss this issue, and the continuing rapid pace of development around the golf course.  Many audience members had pointed, detailed questions for the UNM planning team.  We learned that the proposed generators would only be used in cases of emergency, like Hurricane Katrina, and would function when all other power sources were not in use.  I believe that through this exchange, both sides learned a lot.  We resolved to have more frequent meetings with members of UNM's administration as a way to encourage more openness and better communication. 

While this was a meeting designed to answer questions about UNMH's application to modify its existing air quality permit, Albuquerque's Environmental Health Department was not part of the dialogue.  The department decided that it was better to hold their own hearing, independent from our informal meeting with UNM.  In fact, the City decided that the extraordinary outpouring of concern that you showed merited a public information hearing. 

The hearing will occur on Wednesday, November 19^th from 6:00-8:00 pm at the UNM Continuing Education Building's Auditorium, on 1634 University Blvd. NE.

This will be an opportunity for you to have your concerns documented in the public record.  It is a rare chance which only came about through your involvement, and willingness to speak up.  I hope that you will join me next Wednesday night. 

Thank you for your continued involvement, 

Sara Koplik
President
North Campus Neighborhood Association

p.s. 
On Tuesday, November 18^th, City Councilor Isaac Benton invites members of the North Campus and Summit Park neighborhoods to a meeting about managing neighborhood traffic.  It will be held at the UNM Law School, room 2405, from 6:00-8:00 pm.

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Attachment:  City_Public_Info_Hearing_UNMH_19Nov08.pdf

Neighbors for Green Space
Save the North UNM Golf Course!
September 29, 2008

Neighbors for Green Space
Save the North UNM Golf Course!
April 2008

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world;
indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
-Margaret Mead

On Wednesday, April 30th at 9:00 a.m. in the UNM Student Union, the UNM North Golf Course Advisory Committee will present the compromise proposal to preserve the course. Can you join us for this very important meeting? RSVP here: rsvp@neighborsforgreenspace.com

Your incredible grassroots support is how we have been so successful. You have done so much already to save this special place:

We hope you will stand up and make your voice heard by doing two things:

1. Come to the Regents Meeting on Wednesday, April 30th at 9:00 a.m. in the UNM Student Union on Campus.

2. Call or e-mail the Regents today and ask them to Support the Advisory Committee Proposal. They need to hear from you about why this place is so special and why we need a permanent solution. Click here for the list of Regents - and for the details of the compromise proposal. (click here for the map that accompanies the proposal, or see it here)

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to save "the lungs" of the urban core of Albuquerque.

In Unity,

Sara Koplik
Neighbors for Green Space

............................................................

links:

Our webpage: TAKE ACTION: Contact the Regents

Our webpage: Things to Know > Compromise Proposal

Download/print the contact information:

Contact the Regents (Word doc)

Contact the Regents (PDF file)

Advisory Board Recommendations (Jan. 2008)

Advisory Board - MAP of Preservation and Development Recommendations

April 2008 Update: Ice Cream Social 4/13/08

Neighbors for Green Space
Save the North UNM Golf Course!
April 2008

Dear North Golf Course Supporter,

We are really looking forward to seeing you on Sunday, April 13^th at 2 pm for our Ice Cream Social at the North Golf Course Club House. This will be a fun event for the whole family. It is also a way for us to recognize the incredible efforts of many elected officials who have stood alongside us, and have vowed to protect this cherished green space for generations to come.

Please help us recognize a veritable Who’s Who of New Mexico, including our Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, Speaker of the House Ben Lujan, Mayor Martin Chavez, Senators Cisco McSorley and Jerry Ortiz y Pino, Representatives Danice Picraux, Gail Chasey, and Al Park, County Commissioner Deanna Archuleta, County Assessor Karen Montoya, City Councilors Isaac Benton and Rey Garduno, and AMAFCA Chair Danny Hernandez.

We are so fortunate to have this extraordinary political support. Attending next Sunday’s event is a simple way to thank our elected officials, and show them how much you appreciate their commitment to the golf course’s preservation.

If you plan on attending this event, please reply to this e-mail so that we can buy enough ice cream for everyone. We don’t want anyone to be left out!

website visitors:

you may RSVP using our Contact Us page

or by email to: info@neighborsforgreenspace.com

Recently, we had a wonderful color two-page spread in the Sun Country Golf Magazine, with lots of photographs of our November rally. (Look carefully, you might even find yourself in the crowd.)

Click here to view it: "The Great UNM North Rally of 2007" http://www.suncountrygolf.com/SCGMarch-April08.swf

We need to continue to generate this kind of positive news, as this will help to build momentum for our efforts. Your past activism and commitment is unprecedented. So far, we stopped the bulldozers, and now we need to get the word out about our compromise proposal which can benefit everyone.

Please help to spread the word by writing a letter to the editor.

Alibi letters@alibi.com

Albuquerque Journal http://www.abqjournal.com/letters_form.htm

Daily Lobo http://www.dailylobo.com/home/lettertotheeditor/

Santa Fe New Mexican http://www.santafenewmexican.com/SendLetter/

Here is a template which you can feel free to copy and paste:

>---------------------- copy-and-paste ---------------------------------<

Dear Editor,

We would like to draw your attention to the North UNM Golf Course Community Advisory Board’s recommendations. Their proposal describes a way to preserve the North Golf Course, generate revenue for the university, and create an open classroom to benefit students of all ages. We believe that it offers a way forward, and provides a way for all sides to prosper together. We are excited by this proposal, and look forward to the Board of Regents discussing it on April 30^th.

On a personal note, the North Golf Course is a place I hold dear. I enjoy walking/running in an egalitarian environment, where all are welcome to enjoy the periphery trail. This is a resource which benefits all of the residents of Albuquerque, and I hope that it will be preserved for future generations.

Thank you very much,

[ your name ]

>---------------------- copy-and-paste ---------------------------------<

Please let us know about your letter by sending us a copy at: info@neighborsforgreenspace.com

Don’t forget to attend the Regents meeting on April 30^th at 9:30 a.m. in the Student Union on campus, where we will present our compromise proposal.

Thank you for your commitment, your activism, and indeed, your stamina.

Together, we can preserve this cherished green space for generations to come.

Sara Koplik

President,

North Campus Neighborhood Association

p.s. If you need an update on what’s been happening, click here to find out:

www.NeighborsForGreenSpace.com/News

http://www.neighborsforgreenspace.com/news