As many HOA members are aware, the Seven Bar HOA Board has expressed concerns to the City of Albuquerque regarding problems created by the expansion of Westside Blvd. Many more people are using Westside since the expansion to four lanes. Unfortunately, many of them are speeding. The expansion also included a large number of new streetlights. These lights are not properly shielded according to law to prevent excessive light from shining onto the properties that abut Westside.
Because of homeowner complaints about these problems, the HOA Board decided to give additional voice to these homeowners by petitioning the City to address these problems. We researched the speeding and light pollution issues and circulated a petition requesting speed cameras on Westside (there are currently 20 such cameras on city roadways) and calling for shields or hoods for the streetlights that comply with state and local laws. We gave the petition to Mayor Keller and Councilor Lewis on May 28, 2024.

This is an update on the City’s response so far. In our May 2024 Newsletter we reported on all traffic stops on Westside by the APD Northwest Area Command between November 2023 and early March 2024. We have recently been provided with new information about traffic stops that specifically involve speeding citations. From the beginning of this year through July 31, 2024, there have been 220 speeding citations issued. This was only for traffic going east on Westside, which the City claims is all they are responsible for. Traffic going west is said to be the responsibility of Rio Rancho, and we do not have their figures on any speeding citations issued.

It is obvious that citations are not enough to slow people down. We understand from Councilor Lewis’ office that they have approved two radar speed signs to alert drivers to how fast they are going. Councilor Lewis has also requested and funded a speed study to see if there is anything else that can be done. We appreciate these efforts but still believe speed cameras issuing citations would be most effective. That, however, may require crash data with fatalities. If so, let us hope we never qualify for a speed camera.

With regard to light pollution from the over three dozen streetlights on Westside (check how many streetlights are on Southern or Golf Course – or even Paseo), Councilor Lewis’ office appears to be suggesting that individual property owners are responsible for establishing that the streetlights pollute their property. It is not. All of the new streetlights are subject to New Mexico state law and Albuquerque ordinance. These lights must be hooded or shielded so that the light focuses downward. The Albuquerque Department of Municipal Development has apparently ordered proper shields, but we do not know how many have been ordered or when they will arrive and be installed.

We will keep you posted.