Make ART Smart, a Coalition to Improve Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) sponsored a photo contest entitled This Place Matters – Save Route 66 in Albuquerque. Make ART Smart is an unfunded group of volunteer concerned citizens who are professional architects, planners, attorneys, and business/community leaders. Make ART Smart volunteers came together on the behalf of all citizens and stakeholders who care about and are effected by the impact of this huge project on Route 66/Central Ave in Albuquerque. Their mission is to make sure the design of Albuquerque’s proposed bus rapid transit system is aligned with preserving the charm and vibrancy of the most important historic segments remaining along Albuquerque’s historic Route 66. They support a well-designed bus rapid transit system provided that it supports and enhances the character and functionality of Albuquerque’s most valuable, historically sensitive areas.
The photo contest invited the submission of up to 6 photos depicting a specified section of Route 66/Central Avenue in Albuquerque including the area of Nob Hill – the neighborhood where I live. Only photos taken during the last 2 weeks of July 2016 were permitted in the contest – the idea was to document the charm and vibrancy of the area as it currently exists while fostering public awareness of deficiencies seen in the project’s planned implementation. Sadly, on July 29th a federal judge declined to delay the project’s immediate start. Nonetheless, I’m hoping that my photo submissions may yet play some small part in creating changes to the project that will Make ART Smart.
