The problem that results from such heights - if every property owner or many of them take advantage of the new allowances - is that the street becomes canyonized - as a canyon with wind tunneling through and with sheer high walls that block sunlight to the sidewalks if not neighboring properties.
I moved here from a community that was subjected to this very malfeasance by the city. And because it was a two lane street, the amount of traffic being created by the larger buildings created a nightmare, not just for local residents and other travelers to the restaurants and retail establishments but also for emergency vehicles. Fortunately the citizens took charge - had to hire attorneys and wage a court fight over many months while also voting out of office the city councilmen who allowed it, but the citizens ultimately prevailed to stop the carnage while there was still a bit of sunlight available. Some city personnel even lost jobs when it was determined that they weren't too careful about signing off on plans that violated even the new height limits and setbacks, or actually accepted bribes to do so.
But that would never happen here would it?! Regardless, in the case of my former residence, the damage was done and will remain - grossly congested roadway, inadequate (more like nonexistent) parking, and oversized buildings on small lots providing an odd streetscape. Albuquerque city officials seem hellbent on destroying the historic nature of the Nob Hill neighborhood --- this proposal if approved will surely speed up the process. Who's driving it? Developers of course. Who's aiding and abetting them and what's the quid pro quo?
Jana Hazelbaker
Morningside SE property owner