The past 100 years

From The Santa Fe New Mexican: July 24, 1917: Washington: The Kahn bill to organize ten or more regiments of Indian cavalry as part of the American military forces was considered by the house military committee today.

The measure proposes that reservations be visited by medical examiners and recruiting officers and all available Indians invited to enlist.

July 24, 1967: Urban renewal cannot take the honors for conceiving of an extension to the Santa Fe River Park, but it appears likely to be the agent to make that path extension a reality.

As early as May 1962 the City’s comprehensive plan proposed further development of the park. Its recommendation was for “extending the existing facility east to the end of the Alameda and west as far as Camino Alire.” The plan proposed such improvements as landscaping, picnicking facilities and walk paths.

July 24, 1992: A City Council majority from the heart; Ouida MacGregor used her head.

As a result, design of the visionary Tierra Contenta residential development is stalled in the courts. Councilor MacGregor, the project’s leading advocate, can only hope her colleagues take a more rational approach on the next try.

The vote in question was the one taken earlier this month to award a design contract for the mixed-use, mixed-income project planned for an 890-acre site on the south side of Airport Road west of Cerrillos Road.

The city bought the land in January for development in partnership with private builders.

After calling for proposals nationwide, the council decided to contract with Mazria Associates, a Santa Fe firm, for the design of Tierra Contenta. City staff had rated Mazria fourth among 11 contenders. The council vote flew in the face of warnings from acting city attorney Dianne DeLayo to expect a protest from higher-rated firms.