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By Marni Rose McFall
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Albuquerque is taking a new approach to address homelessness by permanently closing alleyways in the city's International District.
The initiative, led by City Councilor Nichole Rogers, aims to reduce crime and improve safety in areas heavily affected by homelessness, drug use, and related issues.
The Context
The effort to close these alleyways comes amid a broader national debate on how cities handle homelessness.
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Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of local ordinances allowing cities to ban homeless people from sleeping outdoors in public spaces, including streets and alleyways.
This ruling has given cities like Albuquerque the legal backing to implement stricter measures against encampments on public property.
What We Know
Councilor Rogers is spearheading the initiative due to the persistent issues related to crime and homelessness observed in the area.
"There's not one magic fix to any of these issues," Rogers told local news station KRQE, noting the alleyway behind the Circle K gas station on Central Avenue and San Pedro Drive as a significant problem area.
According to Rogers, the lack of housing, mental health resources, and substance abuse services are at the root of these issues.
Tim Walsh, public information coordinator for Albuquerque's Planning Department, told Newsweek that the city has made "historic investments in homeless services," including centers and shelters for families and young adults.
The city has previously seen success with similar measures to the one proposed by Rogers. For example, the alley behind Buffett's Candies on Lomas and Louisiana was closed off, which significantly reduced crime and illegal activities, KRQE reported.
This project involves closing three alleys identified by police and fire departments based on high call volumes. "Am I for every alley being shut down or closed? No. But we have to do something because people are suffering," Rogers told KRQE.
Newsweek has reached out to Nichole Rogers for comment.
"Large encampments are a public safety and health risk, especially for those living on the street," Walsh told Newsweek. "Keeping illegal encampments out of alleyways makes neighborhoods safer for everyone."
What's Next
Rogers hopes to replicate this success in other so-called problematic areas within the International District. She emphasized the importance of beautifying these alleys and adding lighting to deter unwanted activities.
The funding for these closures comes from capital outlay dollars allocated for public safety and community enhancement.
The cost of installing permanent fencing ranges from $30,000 to $90,000, depending on the size of the alley, according to KRQE.
Despite these efforts, Rogers and city officials recognize that closing alleys is not a comprehensive solution to homelessness.
In response to critics, Rogers invited them to join the efforts in finding solutions. "This is an all hands on deck crisis and we need to be thinking of it that way and we need to be thinking about it, how do we alleviate suffering?" she told KRQE. "Regardless of why someone is suffering, if you're unsheltered you're suffering."
The remaining alleys slated for closure are on Central Avenue and Louisiana Boulevard behind the KFC and on California Street and Linn Avenue near the New Mexico State Fairgrounds.
Update, 7/23/24, 05:54 a.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from Tim Walsh.
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