Downtown Albuquerque News: Long-planned overhaul of Fourth in Barelas looks set to move forward
April 10, 2022 – With planners working on construction documents and a key state organization strongly hinting that it will fund at least a part of the overall effort, a $5 million renovation of Fourth Street in Barelas looks set to proceed this year or soon thereafter. The project, which covers the area between Coal and just north of César Chávez, entails a laundry list of changes designed to slow down traffic, make life easier for pedestrians, and generally beautify the area.
The Barelas neighborhood got its start as a 17th century colonial settlement
April 2, 2022 | Albuquerque Journal – A drive through Barelas reveals vibrantly painted murals, narrow streets lined with shotgun houses in various stages of aging next to new adobe homes and storefronts that once served as service stations. People on bicycles or on foot are a common sight. Tucked away at the intersection of Barelas Road and Hazeldine Avenue is the community center citizens united to build in the 1940s. It’s also home to the ABQ BioPark Zoo, the revered Barelas Coffee House, the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the Albuquerque Rail Yards. People usually place the neighborhood under the South Valley umbrella, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Barelas has deep cultural roots that flow all the way back to the time of the conquistadors.
Barelas neighborhood to see $5 million makeover
March 29, 2022 | KRQE – Big plans are in the works for Albuquerque’s Barelas neighborhood. Keith Romero is the president of the Barelas Community Coalition and for the first time is revealing plans for the Barelas Great Blocks Project which will give 4th St. a $5 million makeover from Avenida Cesar Chavez to downtown.
City of Albuquerque begins distributing 80,000 at-home COVID-19 test kits
January 28, 2022 | KOB-4 – ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The City of Albuquerque has started handing out at-home COVID-19 tests in areas that were determined to need the tests the most. The city is working to distribute around 80,000 at-home tests – the first round of supplies from the federal government – starting in areas of high social vulnerability. The Barelas Senior Center was one of the first stops. City officials were handing out kits Friday.
Barelas community leaders hold press conference ahead of United Stadium bond vote
October 17, 2021 | KRQE – Community leaders from the historic Barelas neighborhood are answering questions about the impact a new soccer stadium could have in their area. Voters will be weighing in next month on a $50 million bond to cover the lion’s share for that multi-purpose stadium.
More on the intersection mural from the Journal
May 1, 2021 | Albuquerque Journal – Editorial: Barelas teen artists turn ABQ intersection into traffic safety art
Barelas has a new mural ON THE STREET (at 4th + Hazeldine)!
April 24, 2021 | KRQE – A group of teens in the Barelas neighborhood created the city’s first intersection mural. The teens, along with the Artful Life Organization, created the mural called “Sunset Mix.” This Vision Zero project was a collaborative with the Barelas Community Coalition, Barelas Neighborhood Association, Mayor Tim Keller, City Councilor Ike Benton, CABQ DMD, Homewise, and Creative Paving Solutions.
Ribbon-cutting at Zocalo Lofts at 4th + Coal, where La Esquinita is located!
December 4, 2020 | KRQE – Ribbon-cutting at Zocalo Lofts at 4th + Coal, where La Esquinita is located!
ReImagining NM’s Food Economy
December 7, 2020 | Albuquerque Journal – “When we talk about reimagining the food economy, what we’re really talking about is reimagining New Mexico,”
Albuquerque’s First Permanent Food Truck Park Set to Open Friday
October 19, 2020 | KRQE – ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Albuquerque’s first permanent food truck park is set to officially open this Friday, Oct. 23 and feature a variety of local vendors. The park comes as another expansion project of the La Esquinita marketplace, and from the Barelas Community Coalition, which is its parent organization.
