On the virtue of our public works

We often marvel at the impact, influence, and world-wide draw Santa Fe has for a town of under 100,000 population. While facing similar growing opportunities as other major U.S. cities, Santa Fe is in position to take the lessons learned of bigger cities and tailor to our unique local needs. We encourage you to vote Tuesday, March 6, for our next leader who will continue to shape our city.

The elements of planned urban renewal surround our city. Public infrastructure investments have proven to elevate quality of life, bridge communities, and increase neighborhood values. The Arts and Creativity Center off Siler Road, Genoveva Chavez Community Center on the south side, and the transformation of our municipal airport to a regional airport are hallmarks of a centuries-old town embracing and planning for its future wisely. The network of 300-plus miles of bike and pedestrian trails is a testament to a city connected through the vast natural resources around us. The recently completed Acequia Trail Underpass at the intersection of St. Francis Drive and Cerrillos Roadwas a great solution that safely connects segments of the Acequia Trail in the Santa Fe Railyard, which is part of the Rail Trail to Lamy.

We applaud the city’s Saint Michael’s Overlay zone, opening up modern development potential projects to stimulate the private sector to invest wisely and effectively in Santa Fe’s planned redevelopment corridor. We believe we still have the chance to rebalance our density and development throughout the city, a shortening window in time available to prevent the clog of highway and street traffic that already plagues so many other growing cities.

Let’s transform NIMBYism (not in my back yard) to YIMBYism (yes inmy back yard) by letting your city representatives know the positive changes you would like to see for Santa Fe and in your neighborhood. Instead of neighbors trying to prevent growth, help direct it. In looking at the trending South Capitol and Agua Fria neighborhoods, the impact and influence of the public and subsequent private investment in the remake of the Railyard district is paramount and carries a strong continued call to action.

“When Descartes Labs was looking for a location for our first headquarters in Santa Fe,” company CEO Mark Johnson said, “we chose the Railyard because of its central location, it’s progressive design, and modern approach to combining live, work, and play in one area. However, the vision of the Railyard isn’t yet complete— there are vacant storefronts that need to be filled. That’s one of the reasons why it’s so important to elect a strong, visionary mayor in this election.”

We bring a new look to real estate to help integrate you within our community. A profound love and knowledge of Santa Fe combined with a fresh outlook, vitality, experience, local insight, and fun make Penelope (505-690-3751, penelope.vasquez@ sothebyshomes.com) and Drew (505-4709194, drew.lamprich@sothebyshomes.com) your trusted real-estate advisors.