DAT Latest News
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE IN DAT LOOK AWARDS, BUY YOUR TABLE TODAY
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE IN DAT LOOK AWARDS, BUY YOUR TABLE TODAY
Be sure to cast your vote before the polls close for the 2009 DAT LOOK Awards. Go to http://www.DowntownABQ.com/look to cast your vote today!
Also be sure to buy your tickets or table before we are sold out! Tickets are $100 each or a table for $750.
The 5th Annual DAT LOOK Awards
Saturday, June 27th
6:00PM
Hyatt Regency Downtown
This is DAT’s Annual Fundraising Dinner to support he services of our non-profit organization.
This year’s Dinner will feature top restaurants from Downtown in our “Taste of Downtown!” Asian Noodle Bar, Cafe Green, The Grove Cafe, McGrath’s Bar and Grill, Roma Bakery and Deli, Sushi King, Thai Crystal, The Fix and more will be on hand.
Featured entertainment is comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, who has been featured on the Late Late Show, The Tonight Show and Comedy Central!
Also, original Piano compositions by DAT’s very own Giorgio Giannini.
The LOOK Awards is brought to you by the Downtown Action Team, Shamrock Foods, Albuquerque Convention Center, SMG, Hyatt, PSAV, 770 KKOB AM News Radio, mmgdezign.com, Stiped Couch Productions and 93.3 KOB FM.
DAT WELCOMES HIGH DESERT MOBILE MASSAGE AS ONE OF OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
DAT WELCOMES HIGH DESERT MOBILE MASSAGE AS ONE OF OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
The Downtown Action Team is extremely excited to announce one of our newest members:
Diane Scully
On-Site Therapeutic Massage!
Invest for a Healthy Business – For a Healthier Life
On-Site Massage is highly popular with employers and employees for a number of reasons.
• You feel better right away – immediate positive effects
• It requires no practice or effort on the part of the receiver
• It’s an easy health practice to take advantage of - little motivation needed
• It complements other wellness programs such as stress reduction and exercise
• It helps motivate you for other wellness practices
• It works for everybody – from the corporate offices to the warehouse to the mailroom
On-site massage is a revolutionary way of offering the benefits of massage in public spaces like the workplace. During on-site massage, the recipient is seated and fully clothed. Massage techniques which can be given through clothing are used, and the session focuses on the upper body – head, neck, shoulders, back and arms. Sessions usually last 10 – 20 minutes – the length of a typical work break. On-site massage does not require a private room, and can be given at the workstation, in an office or cubicle, or in any small space like the corner of a conference or workroom. The massage practitioner may use either a special chair designed specifically for on-site massage, a table-top adaptation of the massage chair, or chairs available in the office.
High Desert Mobile Massage
Provided by Licensed Massage Therapists Bringing Relaxation to You!
Contact Diane Scully, LMT 4671, at 505-417-4102 to schedule an appointment or with any questions. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage from High Desert Mobile Massage!
DAT welcomes Diane Scully, and is proud to have her with us as one of our newest members. Give her a call, and get ready for complete relaxation!
DOWNTOWN ACTION TEAM RECEIVES GOODWILL INDUSTRIES “EDGAR AWARDS”
DOWNTOWN ACTION TEAM RECEIVES GOODWILL INDUSTRIES “EDGAR AWARDS”
The Downtown Actino Team is delighted to announce the receipt of the Goodwill Edgar Award in Human Services in the category of Goodwill Partnering Employer of the Year.
The movement that was to become Goodwill Industries International (GII) was founded in 1902 in Boston by Rev. Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister and early social innovator. Helms collected used household goods and clothing in wealthier areas of the city, then trained and hired those who were poor to mend and repair the used goods. The goods were then resold or were given to the people who repaired them. The system worked, and the Goodwill philosophy of “a hand up, not a hand out” was born. Helms described Goodwill Industries as an “industrial program as well as a social service enterprise...a provider of employment, training and rehabilitation for people of limited employability, and a source of temporary assistance for individuals whose resources were depleted.”
Today GII is made up of over 205 independent Goodwill agencies, of which Goodwill Industries of New Mexico (GINM) is one, forming one of the world’s largest nonprofit providers of education, training, and career services for people with disadvantages, such as welfare dependency, homelessness, and lack of education or work experience, as well as those with physical, mental and emotional disabilities.
We here at DAT would like to thank all parties involved in making this possible. We shall continue in our efforts to contribute our best to the well being of this incredible city.
POPPYS FLOWERS A-LA-CART COMES TO DOWNTOWN ABQ
POPPYS FLOWERS A-LA-CART COMES TO DOWNTOWN ABQ
Downtown is going to start smelling a lot sweeter these days. DAT is proud to introduce the newest vendor on the Downtown Mall. Please welcome “Poppy’s Flowers A-La-Cart. “ Now you can make that special someone feel like everyday is a special day. Last minute gift idea while walking to your car? Stop by our friendliest new vendor and show them your enthusiasm. Starting in the first week of April you’ll see a new flower cart pop up “Poppy’s Flowers A-La-Cart. “This is something that Albuquerque is definitely ready for. Like most major cities in the country, we too will now have our own floral street vendor. Help us to move Albuquerque’s downtown area in the right direction by showing your support. Thank you.
DOWNTOWN GROWERS MARKET ANNOUNCES NEW MARKET MANAGER
DOWNTOWN GROWERS MARKET ANNOUNCES NEW MARKET MANAGER
On April 1st 1998 the Downtown Growers Market hired Eric Garretson as the Market Manager and for the past 12 years Eric has dedicated himself to the growth and prosperity of the market. For 12 years, every Saturday morning, Eric arrived at Robinson Park at 6AM to welcome our vendors and prepare for the hundreds of local residents and tourists who visit the market every week. Over the years the market has developed a strong following of neighborhood foodies who support our local growers. Eric has been a valued member of the Downtown Action Team and we are excited for his future. He has taken on his own farm in Ojo Caliente and we wish him phenomenal success and happiness in his endeavors.
As happy as we are for Eric, we are equally happy that he has found a new Market Manager to fill his rather large shoes. We are pleased to announce that on April 1st 2009, Carolyn Espe joined the Downtown Action Team for the 2009 Growers Market season. We look forward to introducing Carolyn to all of you at the opening of the market on June 6th. More news on the market coming next week.
CALL FOR 2009 LOOK AWARDS NOMINATIONS
CALL FOR 2009 LOOK AWARDS NOMINATIONS
Nominate your business today for the 2009 LOOK AWARDS. The annual Downtown LOOK Awards is a celebration of the best businesses, buildings, restaurants, hotels and people in Downtown Albuquerque. 15 categories range from “Best Happy Hour” to “Best Place for a Haircut” to “Best New Business” as we look to highlight the business that make our Downtown one of a kind.
The LOOK Awards will be held on June 27th at the Hyatt Enchantment Ballroom from 6-9PM, featuring our first ever “Taste of Downtown”. More information will be available as we approach the event date.
Nominate your business today by requesting a nomination form from ggiannini@DowntownABQ.com or call 243-2230 ext. 101
PORTABLE A-FRAME SIGNS NOW PERMISSIBLE DOWNTOWN
PORTABLE A-FRAME SIGNS NOW PERMISSIBLE DOWNTOWN
On Monday night, March 2, the Downtown Action Team testified to the Albuquerque City Council to support a zoning code change to allow for portable signage -or A - Frame Signs. I am happy to report the Council unanimously approved the zoning change, which now goes to the Mayor for approval. As Mayor Martin Chavez initiatied the zoning change, I expect him to sign the legislation. Thank you to Councilor Michael Cadigan for sponsoring the legislation. The legislation should become effective in 20-30 days.
Portable A-Frame signs are now a permissible use! Thank you to those who lobbied for this legislation, particularly business owner Rick Clemente who very eloquently testified at the Council meeting.
Some basic facts for your information:
• The definition of allowable signage include:
o An A-frame or sandwich board sign advertising a retail sales business with fewer than 10 employees.
o Portable signs are NOT allowed for retail businesses with more than 10 employees
• The sign must be located within 10 feet of the primary entrance of the business advertised
• The sign can only be displayed during hours of business operation (you must take sign inside when closed)
• The sign must be less than six (6) square feet per side; no more than 2.5 feet wide.
• The sign cannot be taller than three (3) feet above the ground level
• The sign shall rest on the ground and cannot be supported by a person or animal
• The sign shall not block or obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic line-of-sight of an intersection
• The sign must be free-standing (not attached to the ground)
• The sign cannot obstruct pedestrian use of the sidewalk
• The sign may be located in the Public-Right-of-Way but not within two feet of the curb, not in the clear path of travel, and not in the clear areas adjacent to any street furniture
• Paper signs, balloons, banners and wind-activated devices cannot be used or attached to the sign
• The sign must be constructed of wood, metal or other durable materials to resist movement by high winds and cannot use electricity or any other power source
• The sign should not have any “feet,” cables or brackets that may cause a tripping hazard
• The sign must be replaced if it becomes defaced or tattered at the determination of the Zoning Enforcement Officer
To have an A-Frame sign, you will have to apply for a permit from the City of Albuquerque Zoning Code Enforcement Division (who will also enforce the new legislation) at:
Plaza del Sol – Permits Counter
600 2nd Street NW
Note: You will need to take a rendering or picture of your sign, along with exact dimensions and a “site plan” which shows where the sign will be located in reference to your store-front and must include a to-scale rendering of street furniture, trees, light poles, etc. that are in front of your store-front. This can be hand drawn by yourself, but needs to include distance (in feet and inches) of where your sign is going to be located in reference to the curb and other street fixtures. Since the legislation is not codified (formalized) yet, you have time. I would guess the new permitting system should be set up within 30 days.
This document is only a reference to assist you. The City of Albuquerque Permits Department may require additional information or materials that are not included here.
DOWNTOWN CONTINUES TO GROW - SLATE STREET CAFE NOW SERVING SUNDAY BRUNCH
DOWNTOWN CONTINUES TO GROW - SLATE STREET CAFE NOW SERVING SUNDAY BRUNCH
Congratulations to Downtown’s Gem, the Slate Street Cafe, who will start serving Sunday brunch! In addition to their breakfast favorites you’ve enjoyed for years, owner Myra Ghattas, has added several new menu items! You’ve got to go! The sausage is amazing and the bacon is to die for!
Thanks Myra for being such a critical part of Downtown Albuquerque’s success.
Visit Slate Street Cafe at 515 Slate St. NW; (505) 243-2210; http://www.slatestreetcafe.com
Tell her the Downtown Action Team sent you!
PROMINENT DOWNTOWN LOCATION SLATED FOR INNOVATIVE URBAN HOUSING MODEL
The Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico (SHC-NM) will break ground to construct a 72-unit demonstration workforce housing project in Downtown Albuquerque that will integrate a diverse population of formerly homeless persons, persons with disabilities, retirees and low wage workers as well as market rate tenants in a mixed income, mixed use and sustainable “green” environment. The $12.6 million project was designed by Dekker Perich Sabatini and the general contractor is Global Structures. The project is being financed through the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, the City of Albuquerque and Enterprise Community Partners with additional support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Bernalillo County Housing Department and the ABC Water Utility Authority.
Located in downtown Albuquerque at the corner of Lomas and 2nd Street, “Downtown @ 700-2nd” will demonstrate how a public-private partnership can work to revitalize the City core. The City of Albuquerque made the land available and the project enjoys enthusiastic community support, receiving endorsements from numerous business, community and neighborhood groups. Mayor Martin Chavez strongly supported the project by agreeing to convey the City-owned site and the City Council, led by Councilors Isaac Benton and Debbie O’Malley, voted unanimously in favor of the project. “This is a great step forward to the revitalization of Downtown Albuquerque,” said Brian Morris, Executive Director of the Downtown Action Team, a coalition of Downtown businesses. “The business community has been engaged in this project from the beginning and is excited to see that it moving forward.”
Downtown @ 700-2nd will conserve natural resources by incorporating innovative sustainable design features, including solar collectors for domestic hot water and space heating, domestic grey water recycling and rooftop water catchment for landscape use. “This “green” workforce housing project will create a small ecological footprint and provide a transit-friendly housing choice for low wage earners is very important for downtown” said City Councilor Isaac Benton, a lead proponent of this endeavor.
Downtown @ 700-2nd was one of only five projects receiving tax credit funding this year statewide. “This project is a wonderful example of MFA’s mission to create quality, affordable housing and revitalize neighborhoods. Downtown @ 700-2nd will bring new life to Downtown Albuquerque while creating a beautiful and safe living environment. The MFA is proud to be a part of making this award-winning project a reality” said Jay Czar, Executive Director of the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority.
Downtown @ 700-2nd will be a four-story building with a courtyard and community garden. The first floor will have a commercial café for residents and the public, community meeting rooms and offices for property management and service providers. The first floor will also include a staffed 24-hour reception desk. The site is pedestrian friendly with links to bike routes, buses and the Rail Runner commuter train. Government offices, public library, restaurants, shops, services and several of Albuquerque’s largest employers are within walking distance
Apartments will rent at rates ranging from $305 to $609 per month, including utilities and furnishings, offering housing to individuals with incomes up to $24,360 per year. Market rate tenants will occupy 15% of the units.
JOIN THE DOWNTOWN INITIATIVES COUNCIL AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
JOIN THE DOWNTOWN INITIATIVES COUNCIL AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
When: Every Tueasday, 10AM
Where: Mayor’s Office, 11th Floor, City Hall, One Civic Plaza
Be a part of making Downtown Albuquerque the best! Join the Downtown Initiatives Council which meets every Tuesday. The Downtown Action Team meets with Mayor’s officials, police and fire officials and local business leaders to talk about Downtown safety issues and reach resolution before anything becomes a major problem.
The Mayor’s Chief Public Safety Officer, Pete Dinelli, chairs these meetings. It’s a great way to work together as a community to continue to see Downtown Albuquerque grow in the right direction.
Too busy to go? Can’t leave the shop? Send your email address to DAT Operations Manager, Adrian Garcia, at AGarcia@DowntownABQ.com and we’ll add you to the weekly mailing to receive the minutes of these meetings.
THE ALBUQUERQUE TROLLEY CO IS COMING THROUGH
THE ALBUQUERQUE TROLLEY CO IS COMING THROUGH
The best first thing to do in Albuquerque - coming “through downtown April 2009!
Visit http://www.ABQTROLLEY.com for more information.
Updates Coming Soon!
AMY BIEHL HIGH SCHOOL CALL FOR JUDGES
AMY BIEHL HIGH SCHOOL CALL FOR JUDGES
Calling for judges to assess high school science exhibitions at Amy Biehl High School this Spring.
Amy Biehl High School is searching for community members who would like to participate in the assessment of high school science exhibitions.
They will be holding their annual independant Student Project Exhibtion for 9th, 10th and 11th graders this Spring. Ninth graders exhibitions will be held on March 9th, 10th graders on May 4th, and 11th graders on June 3rd. The Amy Biehl High School science program focuses on getting students college-ready and community conscience through public exhibitions of their year-long independent study of a personally selected science topic.
As a judge, you can attend either a full-day or half-day exhibition on March 9th at their school located downtown Albuquerque. The exhibitions for 10th and 11th graders on May 4th, and June 3rd, will be in the afternoon. If you are interested, please contact Shalini Shanker at sshanker@abhs.k12.nm.us or 505-468-0623.
YDI’s Mentoring Initiative
NEED VOLUNTEER MENTORS
For the 2008-2009 School Year!
Over 100 Children in the Albuquerque area between the ages of 4 and 17 have been referred to our program and they want to be matched with a mentor!
A mentor is simply a friend and a guide that visits with a child regularly, shares their interests, helps with homework, and/or participates in fun community activities.
Various factors in our society have pulled nuclear families apart and decreased neighborhood safety so that many children can no longer seek guidance safely from a neighbor or a family member.
Children can benefit tremendously from spending time with a caring adult volunteer, and research has shown that the results can last a lifetime!
“Even if I’m in a bad mood before I visit with my mentee, after spending an hour with her I feel so good! Just seeing her face, how happy she is that I’m there, and having her confide in me can turn my whole day around. I know that I am doing something truly meaningful with my time.” ~ Mentor, Age 26
“ My favorite part about have a mentor is to have fun with her and to have a best friend. My mentor makes me happy.” ~Mentee, Age10
YDI’s Mentoring Initiative is a local program that has had an exceptional connection to the needs of Albuquerque’s youth for almost 20 years.
We offer 3 programs to accomodate any volunteer’s busy schedule or specific need for location.
YDI Provides activities and training.
Please call 271-2066 or 338-2944 for more information or to find out how to get involved.
Even if you are not interested in becoming a mentor, you can still help us build a brighter future for New Mexico, one child at a time! Please send this to every local (Bernalillo County) contact person in your address book.
Thank You!
Jeremy Giannini
Case Manager
Mentoring Children of Promise Program
5005 4th Street NW, Suite 102
Albuquerque, NM 87107
Office: 505-271-2066
Fax: 505-271-2870
Cell: 505-249-2919