GREGORY Z. SMITH

GREGORY Z. SMITH

LAS CRUCES CITY COUNCIL - DISTRICT 2

2 “DO” LIST

District 2 – To Do List - Details

District 2 is blessed with some great pluses. It is also the first part of Las Cruces that many people see when they drive in on I-10 from the south. It is furthermore where many people get off of both I-10 and I-25 regardless of which direction they may have been traveling. Even more importantly, we all live and/or work in this part of Las Cruces, and we have to keep our own best interests in mind when we consider what progress, maintenance, and preservation mean to us here.

In order to put our best foot forward in concert with the pecan trees, Mesilla Valley Memorial, NMSU, the Arrowhead Center, the Convention Center, and numerous businesses, I plan to promote the following projects in our district:

1. Revitalization of "Downtown" Mesilla Park
In addition to the historic train depot, there once was a theater and there were numerous thriving businesses on Main Street in Mesilla Park. Some businesses are still thriving there, but the general impression is currently that not much is happening in Mesilla Park. This is a natural spot to repeat the successes of downtown Las Cruces and reestablish a viable commercial hub for part of District 2.

2. Continue Planning for Multi-Use of South El Paseo
El Paseo is one of the primary connections between downtown. the Convention Center, and NMSU. The main commercial part of El Paseo is in Districts 3 and 4, but the intersection of El Paseo and University already has some non-residential activity and could be its own hub of commerce, both independent of and associated with the Convention Center. In order to avoid more strip-mall-sprawl type development along El Paseo, I would encourage development of the areas currently vacant across from Las Cruces High School as residential or community garden space.

3. Appropriate Commercialization of the University Avenue Corridor
Between I-25 and I-10, there are currently six intersections along University Avenue that have been commercialized (including the aforementioned one). They are separated by five sections of houses, apartments, and churches that still reflect the isolation from commerce that typified the college/university's early years. While some may suggest commercialization of the whole two mile stretch between the Interstates, I am suggesting something more measured and more appropriate to the sustainable economy of the area:
* Let the current residential areas remain so that some NMSU students and staff can still walk across the avenue to get to the university.
* Encourage the existing six commercial hubs to expand into existing infill and reconfiguration opportunities before seeking to commandeer more residential areas.
* Let the market drive the eventual appropriation of residential space only if it is necessary and only when it is most likely to mean success for the commercial ventures.

4. Establish Efficient Public Transportation Routes
Short Term - Use a small fleet of smaller buses to establish the most useful routes on the most useful timetable.
Mid Term - Set up routes with full sized buses that help reduce needs for traffic control and parking lots.
Long Term - Investigate other options that could separate some public transportation from traffic and roadways (e.g. trolleys, rail, elevated systems).

5. Place Bus-Stop Structures Where They Are Needed
Take some of the currently stockpiled structures and use them where it can be relatively certain stops are going to continue to be located. When new routes and stops are solidified, quickly get more of the structures installed so that bus riders are not having to stand in the hot sun any more than necessary when waiting for buses.

6. Assertively Trade City-Owned Properties for Vacant, Underused, or Strategically Located Private Properties
The City has a sizable inventory of property. Some of it is being gainfully used already, and some of it may be anticipated to be useful at some later point. However, plenty of it is land that could be put to better use if it was in private hands. We can be more assertive about getting some of that land sold, but we can also trade strategic or attractive pieces for City projects or to consolidate attractive parcels that the City can then sell.

7. Ensure That Young People Have Recreational/Learning Opportunities
City parks, satellite libraries, and programs that provide alternatives to destructive behavior will help this community at so many levels:
* Increased employment and networking possibilities
* Increased possibilities for interaction between different age groups, ethnic groups, and socio-economic groups
* Increased activity levels for all age groups
* Increased opportunities for cooperation and collaboration
* Reduced cost for repairs and clean up from acts of vandalism
* Reduced law enforcement and detention costs for more serious anti-social acts
* Reduced health care costs for young people who are physically active
* Reduced health care costs in the future for older people who established healthy habits when younger

8. Encourage Appropriate Infill Where Possible and Expansion Where Necessary
There are a few vacant lots, a few abandoned buildings, and a few underutilized properties in our district. These are the prime locations in which to encourage infill that is consistent either with what is happening or with what is needed in our neighborhoods. Much of the required infrastructure already exists, and planning now will help our community thrive in the future.

When respect for the existing fabric of our neighborhoods requires it or when needed facilities cannot be otherwise accommodated, it may be necessary to expand into farmland or undeveloped desert. Under those circumstances a rigorous set of questions must be asked regarding the balance of benefits anticipated as accruing from the change versus accruing from the status quo.

2 “DO” LIST

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