Mayor wants $800k for Railyards

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Fixing up the historic Railyards is a long-range project that Albuquerque Mayor R.J. Berry admits could cost $200 million, but the mayor wants to get the ball rolling now.

Voters approved $1 million worth of bonds last fall to spruce up the Old Railyards. With it, Berry wants to invest up to $800,000 to fix up the Blacksmith building.

"Graffiti removal, asbestos abatement, making it safe to be in here and walk around," said Berry.

Berry also plans to create safe areas so visitors can peek inside the other buildings on site.

Most of the buildings were built in 1915 and served as the major hub for trains traveling through Albuquerque.

"The Railyards is part of our history, and we want to make sure it's part of our future," said Berry.

The city is currently working with Samitaur Construction, a Los Angeles-based company, to develop a master plan for the 27-acre plot of land. But Berry said it will be years before it is opened to the public.

"In the meantime, can we create an indoor outdoor space where people can have community events, such as car shows or community events or growers markets," said Berry.

The mayor said restoring the blacksmith building will allow visitors to tour the grounds a lot sooner. Berry also said the private sector will step in over the years to develop the rest of the space with stores and apartments.

"If we're going to spend the money down here, let's do something that doesn't have to be torn out later," said Berry.

Critics said the plan sounds great in theory.

"They're trying to throw ideas at the wall in terms of potential uses. We need more than random ideas," said Paul Gessing, President of the Rio Grande Foundation, a watchdog for government spending.

Gessing said the Railyards are becoming a money pit. Taxpayers have already invested $9 million in it, according to Gessing. He said it's time to change course.

"The reality is that the expense quickly outweighs the benefit," said Gessing.