About

Our reason for beginning - and why we're still involved

Twenty years ago the corner lot on Academy and Wyoming was a vacant lot and was slated to have office buildings (similar to those next door to it now). It would have had a low vehicle impact on the community. Then the developer changed his mind and decided to invite Smith's, Walmart and various other businesses to build on that site (now Sycamore Plaza). There were meetings with the various communities that were impacted by this project. Most had neighborhood associations. Two long time neighbors (Joe Koski and Anita Harper) met at one of the community meetings concerning the development and decided that we too needed a neighborhood association as a means of being heard and receiving information from the city. A t that time there was a city representative who helped us along and Academy Estates East Neighborhood Association was formed. Needless to say the neighborhoods were not able to prevent the shopping center, but the Walmart that was built was considerably smaller than the one proposed. We also had input as to the design of the center, making it more in keeping with the neighborhood. In those days shopping centers in Albuquerque looked more like ugly strip centers. We also requested the green areas and berms so that everything wasn't just right on the street.

Over the years there were other things that our association has helped to do, such as:

1. Encouraging a walking bridge across the arroyo at Moon.

2. Diligent oversight to prevent an auto bridge over same arroyo.

3. Maintenance of street lights.

4. Small neighborhood park adjacent to apartments on Moon across arroyo (those apartments were originally going to be at least another story taller, our neighborhood assn. prevented that from happening).

5. Oversight on various issues in the neighborhood and adjoining areas (such as cell tower installations etc.).

6. When speeding through our neighborhood became an issue, we were able to obtain speed humps.

7. In the past we've supported our public schools with monetary donations for special events.

8. We've coordinated candidate forums.

9. We have active communication with APD and we have a n active Neighborhood Crime Watch. Most of our blocks have a Block Captain who shares email updates to everyone o n the block about crime and other developments in the neighborhood.

10. We've contacted the city regarding various paving issues

11. Representation at City Council Meetings when needed pertaining to specific issues, including some attempts to operate inappropriate businesses out of homes, and oversight of group living houses to make sure they do not exceed the limits set by City zoning rules and behave a s good neighbors with respect to parking and other issues.

12. Publishing a quarterly neighborhood newsletter (including services such as: baby sitting etc).

13. Providing a Neighborhood Watch Coordinator (previously there were a few Block Captains, but we only could send and receive information just about our own block). The coordinator provides a wider view of the neighborhood and has built and maintained a relationship with the NE Substation. This is something individual Block Captains cannot do. As the MasterCard ad says, "What is the value ... priceless!"

14. Sponsoring a neighborhood garage sale (currently being evaluated)

15. Helped select subject for sculpture along Wyoming Blvd. just west of JCC, paid for by city with tax dollars.

16. Helped residents of Lamplighter Estates work with JCC for noise abatement.

This is just a sample of some of the things that our neighborhood association has accomplished. In Albuquerque, a neighborhood association is a voice for the community. We hope you will decide to the AEENA and get involved in our activities.

Events

The Annual April Crime Watch Pot Luck is held at the JCC on Wyoming. The board provides the main dish and beverages. Neighbors bring sides, salads and desserts. APD provides a speaker who advises the neighborhood in best crime prevention practices. Come and visit with APD and the Albuquerque Fire Department.

The Annual September Ice Cream Social and Election is held at the JCC on Wyoming. The board provides the ice cream, toppings, cookies, and lemonade The purpose of this meeting is to meet and visit with neighbors and elect new board members. APD and AFD are also invited so you can meet and visit with them as well.

The December Charity Event is held in the home of one o f the neighbors in AEENA. Neighbors are invited to a Holiday Open House at which time everyone can bring donations to give t o Project Share and cookies to share with attending neighbors. All extra cookies are given to Project Share to help them begin the holiday celebrations.

Other activities are being considered, depending upon neighbor interests and willingness to help plan and to attend. Please let us hear from you!

AEENA Board 

Our board provides a comprehensive Crime Watch, partnering with APD, a quarterly electronic newsletter, and annual activities to which you are most welcome and encouraged to attend. All dates and times for events are announced via the AEENA INFO emails and the newsletter.

Board Members:

• President: Larry Pope

• Vice President: James Santistevan

• Secretary and Newsletter Editor: Mike Minturn

• Treasurer: Cynthia Ming

• Google Manager: Kim Femling

• Membership Director: Dan Rader

• Special Projects: Dan Flowers + Jason Romney

Adjunct Members:

• Website Maintainer: Nat Baca

• Facebook Maintainer: Lauren Hunter