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Albuquerque R A I L T R A I LPART I - EXECUTIVE SUMMARYNOVEMBER 2021 - Public Comment Draft
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albuquerque R A I L T R A I LACKNOWLEDGMENTCity of AlbuquerqueMayor Tim Keller,Councilor Isaac Benton,Lawrence Rael, COOKaren Iverson, Metropolitan Redevelopment AgencyCiaran Lithgow, Metropolitan Redevelopment AgencySherri Brueggemann, Public ArtAndrew DeGarmo, ABQ RideTimothy Brown, TrafficPublic Sector Work GroupAnthony Villanueva, City of AlbuquerqueDepartment of Municipal DevelopmentBill Craven, New Mexico Department ofTransportation, Rail BureauChristina Sandova, City of Albuquerque ParksGrant Brodehl, Mid-Region Council of Governments/Rio Metro PlannerJose Garcia, AMS Global/Convention CenterNathan Molina, Councilor Benton’s OfficeRichard Meadows, Bernalillo CountyRobert Fine, New Mexico Department ofTransportation, Rail BureauWhitney Phelan, City of Albuquerque ParksSteering CommitteeMayling Armijo, Bernalillo CountyDale Armstrong, TLC PlumbingLola Bird, Downtown MainstreetEd Garcia, Garcia Automotive GroupSeth Gardenschwartz, JS Brown BuildingJohanna Gilligan, HomewiseMaria Griego-Raby, Contract AssociatesDennis Gromelski, Fusion TheatreFrank Martinez, Citizens Information Committee ofMartineztownTim Nisly, Barelas Community CoalitionJay Rembe, REMBE Design and DevelopmentMatt Tinney, Albuquerque Police DepartmentLaura Trujillo, Valley Area Crime PreventionKelly Ward, Innovate ABQRichard Yates, Zydeco & Springer SquareConsultant TeamGreg Miller, MRWMRob Loftis, MRWMEmily Rogers, MRWMKatrina Arndt, MRWMNoreen Kramme, MRWMBen Bachwirtz, Wilson & Co.James Lopez, Wilson & Co.Scott Perkins, Wilson & Co.3Public Comment Draft Acknow le dgm e nt
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albuquerque R A I L T R A I LPART I - TABLE OF CONTENTSACKNOWLEDGMENT. 3VISION. 6GOALS. 7RAIL TRAIL FRAMEWORK PLAN. 14Rail Trail Alignment. 14Trail Oriented Development Opportunities . 20Art Amenities.22Landscape .24Look Feel .25COMMUNITY OUTREACH . 10IMPLEMENTATION .26RAIL TRAIL TIME TRAVEL. 11COST ESTIMATE PHASING . 28EQUITY INCLUSION.12Equity Principles.125Public Comment Draft Part I - Table of Conte nts
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LVISIONThe Albuquerque Rail Trail will transform Downtown’s railcorridor into a vibrant and artistic urban trail that createsopportunities for economic development, healthy recreation,and cultural expression. The Trail will connect the diversecommunities it travels through and build bridges acrossthose that have been disconnected. Following an ancientpath created by footsteps and expanded over centuries by thewheel, the Rail Trail is the next expression of this essentialtrade route, embracing a resilient future for DowntownAlbuquerque.6Vision Public Comment Draft
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LFigure 1. Trail Corridor ContextGOALS1 Mile Rail TrailCorridorEQUITY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTEnsure that the local community benefits from the RailTrail and develop diverse community support throughongoing engagement activities.SAFETYDevelop a trail that is safe, accessible, and welcoming tousers of all abilities.CULTURE ART, HISTORY FUTUREHonor and celebrate the unique culture, history, andfuture of the Rail Trail Corridor by creating numerousopportunities for permanent and temporary art within thetrail corridor.CONNECTIVITYProvide effective connections to the trail from surroundingneighborhoods, transit stations, and bike networks.ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTCreate a sustainable trail that manages stormwater,utilizes local and recycled materials, features native plantspecies, and offers habitat for pollinator species.PROGRAMMING ACTIVATIONEnsure the Trail is continuously activated by identifying amanagement and operations body to steward the Rail Trail.DESIGN & MATERIALSCelebrate the unique natural and cultural experience ofNew Mexico by using locally identifiable building materialsinspired by our diverse history, culture, and naturallandscapes.OPERATIONSCreate an operational public-private partnership strategythat recognizes the need for enhanced safety, affordable,durable, and efficient maintenance, and incorporatessmart technologies.ADJACENT DEVELOPMENTEncourage adjacent buildings and projects to activate andengage with the trail.7Public Comment Draft Goals
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LThe Rail Trail corridor will be a densely shaded reprieve in the heart ofDowntown Albuquerque featuring a mile of art and attractions.Shade treesArtistic shadestructureArtistic wall panel /rest areaNative landscape /pollinator friendlyTrail shoulder / impactsurface8G oa l s Public Comment Draft
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LMARQUETTE CROSSINGMarquette CrossingLandscape buffer /fenceShade treesThe trail’s first element, the Marquette Crossing, will commenceconstruction in Winter 2022. The crossing will reconnect the east andwest sides of the corridor with a safe bicycle and pedestrian route.9Public Comment Draft Goals
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LCOMMUNITYOUTREACHThe development of this Framework Plan included a robustmulti-faceted community engagement process. A steeringcommittee and public sector working group were establishedto guide the project. Public meetings and a communitysurvey were facilitated to solicit community gnCharettesSteeringCommitteeMembersPublic meeting participants commenting on project boardsFigure 2. Marquette CrossingFigure 3. Lomas GatewayMARQUETTEOVERPA S SBoth concepts are results fromthe design charettes organizedas part of this project.MarquetteCrossingAPD SubStationArt Gateway Feature withOverlook10C omm u nit y O ut r e ac h Public Comment DraftDevelopmentOpportunityPop-UpVendors /Restrooms
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LRAIL TRAIL TIMETRAVELThe “Rail Trail Time Travel” project engaged local artistsand community members to explore themes and ideasfor the trail corridor. Ten artists developed interactive“stations”, pop-up style displays, and small-scaleinstallations to engage the public and gather feedback.The following themes were identified:– Shade Stars: Places that protect from the Sun andshowcase the stars.– Earth Form: Natural landscape and nature-basedforms (rammed earth) for rest areas, viewing, andphoto opportunities.– Nature Plants: Plants species, gardens/herbs,wetlands and ponds, and nature-based educationalopportunities.– Celebrating Wildlife: Wildlife habitat and/or animal,bird, or insect motifs.– Design: Native/indigenous motifs.– Being Alone, Together: Intimate spaces and objectsthat can be experienced alone while others are around.– Rest Play: Elements that invite visitors to sit, rest,watch, listen, learn, and to write and create art thatallows for playful interaction, or motivates visitor tomove/dance and listen to music.– Wholistic Nourishment: Food, quiet, peacefulness,light, clean, safe.Time Travel team and Mayor Tim Keller– Icons Events: Cultural symbols that change (murals/projections), hardscape games, art that can beinteracted with, take something (an experience) orleave something behind (like a bad day), outdoormovies, and spaces for hosting cultural events, ie.Chinese New Year.– WiFi Light: Art that indicates where free wifi accessis, projection mapping onto unique surfaces thatchanges.– Prosperity Flight to the Future: Accessibility for all,respect for nature, happiness, balance, and drone racing.103Time TravelArtists3 Time TravelEvents500 TimeTravelers11Public Comment Draft Rail Trail Tim e Trave l
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LEQUITY INCLUSIONThe addition of linear parks can significantly change landvalues and uses in surrounding areas, leading to botheconomic and physical growth. However, this changecan also result in the displacement of existing businessand residents, leading to a loss of community cohesionand cultural identity. Greenway parks with an activetransportation component near downtowns have a highcorrelation to increased property values.The City of Albuquerque is committed to creating a RailTrail that drives inclusive and sustainable developmentthat creates opportunities for surrounding residents,uplifts the local economy, and provides culturally relevantamenities. This can be achieved by working collaborativelywith community members, stakeholders, governmentofficials, business owners, and policy experts to identifycommunity needs and appropriate projects/programs forthe area.EQUIT Y PRINCIPLESA next step of this framework plan is to develop a Rail TrailEquity Plan that addresses the following:– Authentically celebrating the history and culture of thelocal community;– Incorporating community generated programmingideas that serve the existing residents;– Prioritizing the hiring of neighborhood residents for jobopportunities;– Supporting new and existing local small businesses; and– Ensuring that existing residents surrounding the RailTrail can continue to afford to live in their neighborhoodonce the trail is built.E Q UI T Y P L A N P L AY B O O K––––––––Develop an equity plan earlyAssemble data to make informed decisionsBe intentional to ensure diversityTap into the social capital of communitystakeholders and partners.Tackle equity opportunities with a multi-sectorteamCreate a dashboard with clear, measurablegoalsEvaluate impact and course correct as neededEmbrace an iterative processSource: 11th Street Bridge Equitable Development Plan12E q uit y I nc lu s io n Public Comment Draft
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LExisting Community DemographicsThe Greater Rail Trail Area is a historically underservedcommunity and has suffered from decades of disinvestment.The residents in the Greater Rail Trail Area are more likely to bein poverty, more likely to be renters, and more likely to have anon-vehicular commute.20Total Populatio1n2Figure 5. Greater Trail Area Demographics2021 MedianHousehold Income8,450 569,685GreaterTrail AreaCityGreaterTrail Area2019 HouseholdsBelow the PovertyLevel (%)32%GreaterTrail Area 29,101 55,34316%CitySource: ESRI Business AnalystCity2019 % of Non-VehicularCommutes (walk, bike,transit, etc)21%GreaterTrail AreaLEGENDGreater Trail Area2021 Renter OccupiedHousing Units (%)2021 Populationof Color69% 61%60%32%7%CityGreaterTrail AreaCityGreaterTrail AreaCity13Public Comment Draft E quity Inclus ion
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LRAIL TRAILFRAMEWORKPLANRAIL TRAIL ALIGNMENTThe Rail Trail is located along the existing railroad corridorin the heart of Albuquerque. It travels past the AlvaradoTransportation Center, crosses the historic Route 66,and the historic alignment of El Camino Real De TierraAdentro. The historic communities of Barelas, SouthBroadway, and Martineztown are located adjacent to thecorridor. The trail also connects a number of communityassets, both public and private.LEGENDCycle TrackPedestrian FacilityMulti-Use Trail - Shared Facility14Rail Tr a il Fr a m ewo r k P l a n Public Comment DraftFigure 7. Rail Trail Alignment
albuquerque R A I L T R A I L15Public Comment Draft Rail Trail F ram e work Plan
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LFigure 8. Typical Section 1ST StreetShade treesCycle trackPedestriantrailPlanted buffer whereroom allowsFrom the Rail Yards to Central Ave, the trail will have aseparated pedestrian and bicycle path along 1ST Street bringingpeople to and from Alvarado Transit Station.16Rail Tr a il Fr a m ewo r k P l a n Public Comment DraftLooking North on 1ST Street
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LFigure 9. Typical Section TijerasShade treesPedestrian/bicyclebridgeCycle trackLooking West on Tijeras AvenueOne Lane westboundtrafficAt Tijeras, the route splits bicycle users into a dedicatedtwo-way cycle track from the rail corridor to 1ST Street.17Public Comment Draft Rail Trail F ram e work Plan
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LFigure 10. Typical Section East Along Railroad TracksProtectivebarrierShared trailLooking North along the railroad tracks18Rail Tr a il Fr a m ewo r k P l a n Public Comment Draft
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LFigure 11. Typical Section West Along Railroad TracksShade treesShared trailLandscape to capturestormwater runoffLooking South along west side of the railroad tracksLandscape areaFrom Central Ave to Lomas Blvd, the trail will be within therail alignment, showcasing the historic buildings and activating theadjacent properties.19Public Comment Draft Rail Trail F ram e work Plan
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LFigure 12. DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIESPublicOpportunity Site:Rail YardsPublicOpportunity Site:Alvarado StationTRAIL ORIENTED DEVELOPMENTOPPORTUNITIESThere are numerous parcels and businesses along the trailthat can take advantage of the trail activities with trailoriented developments (TODs). Bringing more peopleto the area through added amenities and programmingwill support local businesses, increase eyes on the street,and help activate the rail corridor and downtown core. Inaddition, there are publicly owned sites that can be usedas a parks or redevelopment sites, including shady bridgeunderpasses.20Rail Tr a il Fr a m ewo r k P l a n Public Comment DraftPublicOpportunity Site:Coal UnderpassPublicOpportunity Site:Freight HousePublicOpportunity Site:Alvarado Station
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LFusionPublicOpportunity Site:State Parking LotGarciaLEGENDPrivate TODInnovate ABQSpringer SquarePublic TOD21Public Comment Draft Rail Trail F ram e work Plan
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LFigure 13. ART AMENITIESCrown Fountain inMillennium Park featuringfaces in ChicagoRail YardsGatewayNODE: Alvarado SquareNODE: Coal AveMini NodeCoal / Lead AvenueUnderpassv22Rail Tr a il Fr a m ewo r k P l a n Public Comment DraftFreight HouseRadio TowerAlvaradoSquareART AMENITIESThe Rail Trail will have a number of amenities including restareas, shade, parklets, plazas, landscape, and opportunitiesfor art. The Rail Trail will offer these amenities and muchmore to enhance the overall quality of life, celebrate thecommunity, and improve public health of the adjacentcommunities and the City as a whole. Amenities will bedistributed along the entire corridor to provide services andto celebrate and showcase local art and artists.AlvaradoUtilityBuildingUtility BoxesSkate Park in CapeTown under the MillBridgeCraiglinn UnderpassCumbernauld ScotlandMural Art Installation
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LVideo art projection ontobuilding walls in Hamburg,GermanyCentralCrossingVirtual realityMuralInteractive wall inMiami, FloridaConvention CenterParking GarageArtistic overlook/ gatewayfeatureNODE: Marquette CrossingLomas GatewayFeatureMini NodeTrain Cars TrailAdvertisementsOne CentralParking GarageMarquetteCrossingNew Rail TrailBridgeMarquetteAvenue OverpassInfrastructureAir Sea Land public artinstallations in BostonLEGENDMural by Nani Chacon andJaque Frague – The Octopusand the FoxPrimary Art Installation LocationSecondary Art Installation LocationDot mural wall on MateoStreet in Los AngelesGateway Features23Public Comment Draft Rail Trail F ram e work Plan
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LFigure 15. ‘Meadow’ landscape PaletteFigure 16. ‘Undulating’ Landscape PaletteShade TreesShade TreesGrassesWildflowers s grassesPlanter withmedicinal speciesWildflowers grassesLANDSCAPEThe Rail Trail landscape is comprised of native andlocally adapted species that provide consistent shade,environmental benefits, and habitat while highlightingtraditional and cultural uses. Shade trees provide a24Rail Tr a il Fr a m ewo r k P l a n Public Comment DraftPlanter withmedicinal ringgroundcoverShadestructurecomfortable experience for trail users while helping tosequester carbon and manage stormwater within the trailcorridor. The plant palette includes a number of nativegrass species, wildflowers, and groundcovers that providea variety of textures and colors along the trail whilecreating habitats for pollinators.
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LThe overall theme is identified as Nuevo Eco-Industrial; where Nuevo stands forNew Mexican, Eco represents its sustainable aspects, and the Industrial for theurban and railroad-inspired look and feel.LOOK FEELTRAIL PAVING PALETTEWALL PALETTESHOULDER PALETTEFENCE AND DECORATIVE PANEL PALETTESEATINGLIGHTINGARTISTIC SHADE STRUCTURESCOLOR PALETTE25Public Comment Draft Rail Trail F ram e work Plan
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LIMPLEMENTATIONTABLE 1. Implementation MatrixElementGoalEQUITY COMMUNITYENGAGEMENTSAFETYCULTURE ART,HISTORY FUTURECONNECTIVITYPROGRAMMINGACTIVATIONDESIGN &MATERIALSEnsure that the local community benefits from the Rail Trailand develop diverse community support through ongoingengagement activities.Develop a trail that is safe, accessible, and welcoming to usersof all abilities.Honor and celebrate the unique culture and history of the RailTrail Corridor by creating numerous opportunities for permanentand temporary art within the trail corridorProvide effective connections to the trail from surroundingneighborhoods, transit stations, and bike networks.Ensure the Trail is continuously activated by identifying amanagement and operations body to steward the Rail Trail.Celebrate the unique natural and cultural experience of NewMexico by using locally identifiable building materials inspiredby our diverse history, culture, and natural landscapes.26Imple m entat i o n Public Comment Draft#Action1Develop an equity dashboard to establish baseline metrics and monitor the impact of the trail on key issues such asaffordability, income, commercial vacancy, etc.2During future design and development phases engage adjacent communities and property owners of Barelas, SouthBroadway, and Martineztown. Invite key stakeholders to decision making meetings.3Develop a Rail Trail equity plan addressing principles outlined in Part III Outreach.4Explore the feasibility of a bicycle police substation with bicycle repair.5Further define ‘Smart Cities’ infrastructure and identify best practices for responsible video surveillance for safety andanalytics.6Engage an artist as part of the design team to create enhanced paving patterns, fencing, shade structures, and other trailinfrastructure elements.7Implement temporary art along the trail alignment to bring people to the site even before it is built, creating excitementand garnering public support.8Develop interpretive sign themes and curate the text and graphics.9Include public art commission with each phase of trail development.10Study the following connections: Central crossing for improved pedestrian and bicycle access. Barelas, South Broadway,Martineztown, Silver Bike Boulevard, Lead/Coal bike lanes, MLK bike lanes, Bosque Trail, 50-mile loop, and I-40 trail, anddevelop strategies to enable easy and safe access between routes.11Install directional signage to connecting trails, neighborhoods, and destinations. Connections are identified in Part VI,Wayfinding and Signage .12Conduct a feasibility study and cost estimate for the Greater Downtown Urban Trail.13Develop a strategic plan for Friends of the Rail Trail and hire an executive director.14Develop an online presence to build a Trail following and way for interested parties to engage and contribute.15Implement programming events before trail is built to create momentum and a "buzz".16Develop a Rail Trail programming plan that creates a roadmap for events, art, and trail related activities. Events should befocused on recreation, arts, culture, and education. The Rail Trail programming plan should be updated on an annual basis.17Engage design team to develop full design and engineering documents.18Explore Central Crossing alternatives and resolve outstanding concerns with NMDOT.
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LTABLE 1. Implementation ENTPROPERTYACQUISITIONCreate an operational public-private partnership strategythat recognizes the need for enhanced safety, affordable,durable, and efficient maintenance, and incorporates smarttechnologies.Identify construction and art funding to ensure enhanceddesign for optimal user experience.Encourage adjacent buildings and projects to activate andengage with the trail.Acquire key easements and properties required to construct thetrail and implement the Framework Plan.#Action19Develop a maintenance manual/schedule for the trail/trail landscape and contract responsible parties.20Support the formation of a private sector partnership group to provide additional security and manage programming ofRail Trail.21Determine maintenance responsibilities for City Department and Friends of the Rail Trail.22Seek capital outlay appropriation from the State.23Identify a variety of construction funding sources including GO Bonds, Department of Transportation grants, Rails to TrailsConservancy, and private funders.24Identify and apply for funding for public art.25Identify funding for installation of fiber optics along the trail.26Issue an RFP for adaptive reuse of the Freight House.27Review trail alignment and consider zoning changes that will require adjacent development to orient and design theirbuildings towards the trail.28Obtain easement for required trail width adjacent to Innovate ABQ property.29Obtain easement for required trail width adjacent to Springer Square property.30Work with State to transfer ownership of Tewa parking lot at Marquette and Commercial.31Work with leaseholder to negotiate utilization of Marquette underpass.32Acquire Coal underpass from BNSF.27Public Comment Draft Im ple m e ntation
albuquerque R A I L T R A I LCOST ESTIMATE PHASINGThe Opinion of Probable Construction Costs outlined inPart VI is based on the Design Recommendations andTechnical Analysis. It is intended to establish fundingtargets for the aspirational vision contained in theFramework Plan. While the opinion of probable costs aimsto be comprehensive, it cannot contain each and everybid item that may be necessary to build the trail due tothe preliminary nature of this document. Costs includedin this opinion are based on the current market conditionsin October 2021. Due to volatility in the constructionmarket a 20% contingency has been included in allphases. Options to adjust the phasing limits and/or reduceoverall construction costs may be considered as funding issecured for the trail.Figure 17. Trail Phasing28C ost Est im at e Ph a s i n g Public Comment DraftTABLE 2. Opinion of Probable Construction Costs Quantity SummaryPhase 1a: Marquette Crossing 2,000,000Under constructionPhase 1b: Lomas - Tijeras 2,886,000Phase 2: Tijeras - Central Ave 1,988,000Phase 3: Tijeras Access 1ST Street to Central Ave 2,424,000Phase 4: Alvarado Station 990,000Phase 5: 1ST Street - Gold Ave to Coal Ave 2,371,000Phase 6: 1ST Street - Coal Ave to Rail Yards 2,580,000Total 15,239,000TABLE 3. Funding Sources:City Transportation Funds (committed):City Lodgers Tax (committed):State Legislative Request:Federal Infrastructure Grant:Total 3,000,000 2,000,000 5,000,000 5,239,000 15,239,000
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Seth Gardenschwartz, JS Brown Building Johanna Gilligan, Homewise Maria Griego-Raby, Contract Associates Dennis Gromelski, Fusion Theatre Frank Martinez, Citizens Information Committee of Martineztown Tim Nisly, Barelas Community Coalition Jay Rembe, REMBE Design a
