Gary: I agree that demolition might be the only option because of one, originally poor construction, cheap materials and decades of postponed upgrades, upkeep by owners

who, like those of the De Anza, were unable to finance any of these improvements. HOWEVER: it is WHAT is planned, proposed, to replace Hiway House: this of the greatest concern to

myself and and ought to be for all those living south of this site. There is exactly ONE block between our property just south of Lead, with NO assurances that Developers, of

whom I have reasonable expectations of excessive, inappropriate, financial rewards focused redevelopment proposals.  This is the same unease I have about the old Bacchechi (sp?)

property, recently – witnessed from the Limonata just last week – the subject of a huge multiunit, police raid, replete with bullet proof vests, to oust another crop of methamphetamine

producers comfortably producing and distributing on the site. The owner of not only the Bacchechi site,  but also the wonderful, small scale units of with coffee houses and restaurants,

is not securing the other site, and appears to be rejecting issues that have arisen with regard to number of dwelling  units, assigned car units and their the impacts to an already overcrowded

Silver/Tulane traffic there.   Plans by the California Los Angles Developer include enough units with noted car numbers that simply driving down Silver would  overwhelmed a still one family,

albeit with casita,  neighborhood.

To return to the Highway House, in general, developers between Girard and Carlisle sties  on Central have included, among others, huge Pheonix style

apartment complexes that impinge an already struggling – due to A.R.T. and other phenomena – small business – area.   I had promised myself Not to get involved with

either Baccheci or the Highway House matters – Jim Strozier aside – but may have to, as these two development sites impinge upon neighborhoods that are of long standing,

worthy of consideration inhabitants.  Christmas/New Years Hearings may be convenient for ensuring VERY low participation rates by neighborhood residents. How Convenient for allowing

for allowing the least appropriate redevelopment proposals and by the further encroachment of out of state owners who give very little credence to the character

of New Mexico and of this particular area of the South East Heights. Yes, I plan, barring previously scheduled events, any future hearings.

Dear Leslie: I saw you at the Santa Fe event awarding Nob Hill kudos for its Historic Preservation.  I was amused by your shock at seeing me there:  I remain committed to

somehow ensuring both Public and Pueblo of Zuni access to the Zuni Murals in the basement, but remain unconvinced that historic preservation is a commitment in

a City so distracted by sudden high rates of  homelessness, high crime rates,  and inappropriate solutions that threaten existing, intact neighborhoods.

Actually: there are THREE sites on Central between Girard and Carlisle that should be of concern to those who live in the University, Nob Hill and Southeast

Heights areas:, the former Manny’s Restaurant site (see Tony Anella), the Highway House site, and the Baccheci (sp?)site.  Everyone just south of this area ought

to understand that the redevelopment of these three sites could change forever, the character of this slice of Route 66. But hey, who even remembers even the

1980s? Let alone the l950s?. This aside, I urge that future discussions about redevelopment of all these sites take place, with plenty of advance notice of

meetings regarding all of these sites.

Cc: Leslie Naji Inaji@cabq.gov

Cc: neighbors@nobhill-nm.com Nob Hill Neighbors Association

Leslie Naji, Preservation Planner, CABQ Planning Dept.

By email to lnaji@cabq.gov

Subj: Hiway House Demolition Permit

Dear Ms. Naji,

Consensus Planning reached out to us several weeks ago to discuss this possible demolition. We recommended a single purpose community meeting which they hosted at their offices Dec. 14.  We publicized the meeting to our neighborhood association using the normal process, an announcement to our email list of about 300 subscribers and posting on the events page of our website. It was attended by five neighbors, none of whom indicated opposition. On Dec. 20 we received an email from 11 residents in the 200 block of Bryn Mawr SE supporting demolition.

We placed the question on the agenda of our monthly board meeting of Jan. 2 and publicized it the same way. A half dozen neighbors attended in addition to seven of our eight directors. We heard one neighbor who expressed a wish that the motel be redeveloped using the current structure. The others all spoke in support of demolition. 

Arguments for demolition included the poor quality of construction, damage from a fire and an explosion, presence of asbestos, and the layout of the motel with about 60 rooms as opposed to a new structure that could have around 120 rooms making it more sustainable economically. While the current structure is fenced it continues to be attractive to squatting, threat of open fires, etc.  Removing the existing structure will improve this problem.  

The community appreciated the idea that a new hotel would be one story on Central although three stories elsewhere on the site. They also appreciated the underground parking. Although it was not brought up that night I have heard several neighbors indicate a strong preference for a project that would reference area culture and architecture.

Our board of directors voted 7-0 in support of CABQ issuing a demolition permit. We thank you and Consensus Planning for the opportunity to be heard in this matter.

Kind regards,

Gary L. Eyster

President, Nob Hill Neighborhood Association

(505)991-1388

meyster1@me.com