New Mexico

New Mexico city bans homeless people from alleyways

Published

1 year ago

July 12, 2024

New Mexico city bans homeless people from alleyways

Albuquerque is taking a new approach to address homelessness by permanently closing alleyways in the city’s International District.

The initiative, led by City Councilor Nichole Rogers, aims to reduce crime and improve safety in areas heavily affected by homelessness, drug use, and related issues.

The Context

The effort to close these alleyways comes amid a broader national debate on how cities handle homelessness.

A homeless woman pushes a cart along the street on June 03, 2019 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. New Mexico is one of the poorest states in the United States, with a sluggish economy, a growing…

Spencer Platt/Getty Images Entertainment/GC Images

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of local ordinances allowing cities to ban homeless people from sleeping outdoors in public spaces, including streets and alleyways.

This ruling has given cities like Albuquerque the legal backing to implement stricter measures against encampments on public property.

What We Know

Councilor Rogers is spearheading the initiative due to the persistent issues related to crime and homelessness observed in the area.

“There’s not one magic fix to any of these issues,” Rogers told local news station KRQE, noting the alleyway behind the Circle K gas station on Central Avenue and San Pedro Drive as a significant problem area.

According to Rogers, the lack of housing, mental health resources, and substance abuse services are at the root of these issues.

The city has previously seen success with similar measures. For example, the alley behind Buffett’s Candies on Lomas and Louisiana was closed off, which significantly reduced crime and illegal activities, KRQE reported.

The project involves closing three alleys identified by police and fire departments based on high call volumes. “Am I for every alley being shut down or closed? No. But we have to do something because people are suffering,” Rogers told KRQE.

Newsweek has reached out to Nichole Rogers for comment.

What’s Next

Rogers hopes to replicate this success in other so-called problematic areas within the International District. She emphasized the importance of beautifying these alleys and adding lighting to deter unwanted activities.

The funding for these closures comes from capital outlay dollars allocated for public safety and community enhancement.

The cost of installing permanent fencing ranges from $30,000 to $90,000, depending on the size of the alley, according to KRQE.

Despite these efforts, Rogers and city officials recognize that closing alleys is not a comprehensive solution to homelessness.

In response to critics, Rogers invited them to join the efforts in finding solutions. “This is an all hands on deck crisis and we need to be thinking of it that way and we need to be thinking about it, how do we alleviate suffering?” she told KRQE. “Regardless of why someone is suffering, if you’re unsheltered you’re suffering.”

The remaining alleys slated for closure are on Central Avenue and Louisiana Boulevard behind the KFC and on California Street and Linn Avenue near the New Mexico State Fairgrounds.

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New Mexico

NM legislators want ‘truth commission’ to investigate late sex offender Epstein

Published

8 hours ago

October 27, 2025

Press Room

NM legislators want ‘truth commission’ to investigate late sex offender Epstein

Two New Mexico state Democratic lawmakers said Monday they will work during next year’s legislative session to establish a “truth commission” to investigate the activities of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein at his Zorro ranch near Stanley in Santa Fe County.

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New Mexico

This Uncrowded New Mexico Beach Is A Hidden Gem Nestled In An Underrated City – Islands

Published

1 day ago

October 26, 2025

Press Room

This Uncrowded New Mexico Beach Is A Hidden Gem Nestled In An Underrated City – Islands

New Mexico’s famous Carlsbad Caverns National Park draws about 400,000 visitors each year, and is home to the largest accessible cave chamber in North America. Before or after a visit to the caves, the underrated city of Carlsbad makes a perfect base to recharge. With a peaceful setting along the Pecos River, Carlsbad entices visitors with river walks and wildlife. In the center of this metropolitan city is a rare gem: a riverfront beach park with soft sand, swimming areas, and even a small waterpark.

Formed by a dam on a portion of the Pecos River, the unique public space has an array of activities for park goers, ranging from beach volleyball to kayaking and boating. Spanning 125.6 miles, the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area provides an urban oasis for residents and visitors alike, just steps away from all the attractions and dining options in Carlsbad. For a perfect combination adventure, visitors can spend time at Lake Carlsbad, or explore a nearby golf course, zoo, and both state and national parks.

Attractions in and around the Carlsbad Recreation Area

The Carlsbad Recreation Area has something for everyone, including five miles of walking paths lined with pecan trees for a relaxing stroll while soaking in the river views. Families can gather in picnic areas with barbecue pits, or take in a game of racquetball or mini golf. There’s also a beach and pavilion, swimming areas, and boat launches for a full day spent on the water. Kids will love the playgrounds, hockey rink, and skatepark. The city-run waterpark within the recreation area has six different small waterslides, a lazy river, children’s play areas, and lounge areas for a nominal entry fee of $5.

Less than five miles from the lake park is the Living Gardens Desert Zoo and State Park, which features hiking trails with amazing views of the valley, wildlife viewing, and educational tours. There are several lodging options for visitors, including tent and RV sites or rustic cabins at the Carlsbad RV Park or camping at Brantley Lake State Park. Right in the city, the Trinity Hotel offers an elegant stay in a historic building that dates back to 1892, or the highly-rated Fiddler’s Inn provides charming accommodations and a cozy atmosphere.

To get to Carlsbad, the Cavern City Air Terminal has a small number of commercial flights to Albuquerque and Phoenix. Or, for more flight options, the El Paso International Airport is the next best option, and is about a 2.5-hour drive from Carlsbad. For further exploration of under-the-radar attractions, about 50 miles outside of Carlsbad is the breathtaking Guadalupe Mountains, which is somehow one of the least-crowded national parks.

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