CEDS assisted the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and several adjacent-nearby neighborhood associations with concerns about a truck stop, including gas-diesel pumps and a convenience store, which was proposed for a site in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The truck stop site was in a portion of Albuquerque where the Comprehensive Plan called for transitioning from industrial to cultural, recreational, and retail uses.

As part of recreational enhancements, two major hiking-biking trails were proposed next to the truck stop site. CEDS assisted area residents and the Cultural Center in securing the services of a professional traffic engineer whose testimony showed that the 7,000 vehicle trips/day generated by the truck stop, a fourth of which would be trucks, would create traffic hazards. Testimony from Albuquerque staff documented that the large volume of truck traffic would create a hazard for future hiking-biking trail users. CEDS also assisted in mobilizing a strong showing of public concern about truck stop traffic as well as health, public safety (crime), and property value impacts.

The truck stop required a Conditional Use permit from the Albuquerque Zoning Hearing Examiner (ZHE). At the first hearing 90-area residents and cyclists participated in the virtual hearing. The Hearing Examiner commented that this was a record turnout!

On July 31, 2024 the ZHE issued a decision denying a Conditional Use Permit for the truck stop. The decision is posted at: https://app.box.com/s/w3mwkju0hfr62wj2rulw6yyonwcr1ta9. Also, see the CEDS Truck Stops & Neighborhood Quality of Life webpage at: https://ceds.org/gasstation/. And see the CEDS How to Fight Special Exception, Conditional Use & Special Use Permits webpage: https://ceds.org/se/.

If you have any questions, contact Marianne Billy, of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, at MBilly@indianpueblo.com or (505) 212-7033.