The Sustainability element of the Sector Development Plan outlines strategies to ensure that the area's growth and development are environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially equitable. This section focuses on integrating sustainable practices into all other plan elements including land use, transportation, housing, economic development, and energy efficiency for utility infrastructure. It emphasizes the importance of reducing the environmental footprint through green infrastructure, promoting renewable energy sources, and enhancing resilience to climate change. Additionally, this section highlights the need for sustainable economic development that supports local businesses, creates jobs, and fosters a healthy, inclusive community. By prioritizing sustainability, the plan aims to create a thriving, resilient sector that benefits current and future generations.

Key Takeaways:

• Landfills: Two former landfills in the Plan Area present environmental challenges, including potential gas generation and contamination risks. Development near these sites requires careful assessment, monitoring, and mitigation measures to ensure safety and compliance with environmental guidelines.

• Water Quality: The Plan Area includes both active and inactive NPDES-regulated sites that affect water quality. Proper monitoring and management of these sites are crucial to prevent water contamination, maintain ecological health, and support sustainable development. Both active pollutant dischargers and residual risks from inactive sites must be addressed.

• Air Quality: Air quality varies across the Coors Corridor, with moderate to high respiratory risks in many areas. The Air Toxics Respiratory Index (ATRI) highlights the need for targeted interventions, such as stricter emission controls and green infrastructure, to reduce pollutant levels and safeguard public health, particularly in areas with high residential density.

• Tree Cover: Tree canopies are essential for creating a comfortable and walkable urban environment. They provide shade, reduce the urban heat island effect, and enhance air quality. The Coors Corridor has limited tree coverage, which hinders walkability and discourages outdoor activities. Expanding the tree canopy is crucial for improving the pedestrian experience and fostering a vibrant streetscape.

• Heat Islands. South Coors experiences significant heat island effects due to limited vegetation and expansive hard surfaces, leading to elevated temperatures. This impacts livability and deters outdoor activities. Mitigating heat islands through green infrastructure, such as planting trees and using alternative parking surfaces, is essential for enhancing walkability and reducing health risks associated with heat exposure.

• Sustainable Development Practices: Implementing sustainable building practices in the Coors Corridor will enhance long-term vitality, reduce environmental impacts, and improve residents' quality of life. Key strategies include adopting green building standards, energy-efficient design, water conservation, and integrating green infrastructure. These practices should be prioritized to enhance community resilience.

• Sustainability as a Guiding Framework for the Sector Plan: Sustainability is a core principle of the Coors Boulevard Sector Plan, aiming to create a vibrant, walkable, and transit-friendly environment. This framework focuses on sustainable land use, transportation improvements, and fostering economic development to ensure a livable, connected, and resilient community.

The Land Use and Zoning element of the Sector Development Plan will provide a comprehensive framework for the organized and sustainable development within the plan area. This section outlines the distribution of various land uses, including residential, commercial, industrial, and open spaces, ensuring a balanced and efficient use of available land. It will establish zoning regulations that guide the type, scale, and intensity of development, promoting compatibility between different uses and protecting the character of the community. The section will also address the need for mixed-use developments, infill projects, and the potential preservation of agricultural lands and/or open spaces to enhance livability and economic vitality. By clearly defining land use patterns and zoning regulations, this section aims to create a cohesive and well-planned community that supports growth while preserving the area’s unique qualities and meeting the needs of its residents and businesses.

Key Takeways:

• Zoning: The Plan Area's zoning is primarily low-density residential uses, with 59% zoned A-1 for agricultural and single-family homes, and lacks for medium-density housing or mixed-use development. Commercial and industrial zones, comprising 13.7% of the area, allow various services but are constrained by restrictive building heights, large setbacks, and outdated parking standards, which limit transit-oriented and mixed-use development. The sector plan should evaluate zoning revisions that introduce townhouses and mixed-use buildings, slight increases to height limits within Centers paired with stepdown regulations to protect adjacent properties, reduce setbacks, update parking standards, adjust landscape requirements, and rezone institutional properties to better match land use needs.

• Special Use Permits (SUPs): SUPs allow land uses not typically permitted in designated zoning districts, promoting compatibility between new uses and existing properties. Currently, there are 36 approved SUPs in the Plan Area, adding significant acreage for low-density residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional uses. The sector plan should consider rezoning properties that currently have SUPs to the most appropriate base zone district.

• Land Use: The area is predominantly low-density residential (37%) with limited commercial (13%) and significant vacant land (20%). Pyramid zoning and the Special Use Permit (SUP) process have resulted in mismatches between land use and zoning, highlighting the need for a more cohesive strategy. The sector plan should explore streamlined zoning and encourage mixed-use development to better integrate land uses, improving community connectivity and functionality.

• Development Character: The Comp Plan employs a dual growth management framework to direct new development, categorizing land from rural to urban and emphasizing higher-density centers. This framework identifies Development Areas based on suitable densities and urban services. Some designated Development Areas may not accurately represent established corridor patterns and require further evaluation in this sector planning process. The Centers and Corridors framework prioritizes infill and higher-density development in activity centers, which function as hubs for commerce, residential, and cultural activities, interconnected by multi-modal transportation. This approach seeks to create vibrant, accessible communities that reduce automobile reliance and traffic congestion. The framework differentiates between Community and Neighborhood Activity Centers, promoting low-density development outside designated areas for sustainable growth. The sector plan should identify specific parcels for future activity centers and establish design standards to enhance walkability, support mixed-use development, and improve access to amenities.

• Agricultural Preservation: Development pressures are converting agricultural land into urban uses, threatening local food production and rural cultural heritage. Preserving agricultural land is vital for maintaining environmental and cultural resources, as seen with initiatives like the Hubbell Oxbow Farm, which supports both agriculture and low-impact recreation. Balancing growth with agricultural preservation is essential, and promoting moderate-intensity infill in designated Centers can help achieve this goal.

• Open Space: The Plan Area includes valuable community resources like Tom Tenorio Park and the Hubbell Oxbow Open Space, both undergoing improvements. These spaces enhance residents' quality of life by encouraging physical activity, fostering community interaction, and supporting environmental sustainability. The plan should focus on improving connectivity to and between these open spaces through trail and streetscape enhancements.

• Barriers to Housing and Businesses: The Coors Boulevard corridor is underutilized, dominated by low-density, auto-centric development. Barriers such as Euclidean zoning, neighborhood opposition, and strict regulations limit housing choice and business growth. The sector plan should recommend zoning changes to enable diverse housing options within designated Centers, streamline permitting processes, and create incentives for mixed-use projects that attract businesses and enhance community engagement.

The Transportation element of the Sector Development Plan will focus on creating a safe, efficient, and accessible transportation network that meets the needs of all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and motorists. This section will outline strategies for improving safety and enhanceing of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Emphasizing multi-modal transportation options, the plan will promote the development of complete streets that accommodate various forms of transportation, encouraging a shift away from car dependency. By prioritizing safety and multi-modal options, this section aims to create a transportation system that supports sustainable growth, reduces traffic congestion, and enhances the overall quality of life within the sector.

Key Takeaways:

• Commuter Mode: Personal vehicles dominate commuter mode, with 94.4% of commuters using cars. Alternative transportation modes such as walking (0.7%) and transit (0.6%) have minimal uptake, and no respondents commute by bike. Around 3.4% of individuals work from home, eliminating the need for commuting.

• Street Network: The Plan Area’s street network lacks connectivity, with Coors Boulevard functioning as the primary north-south arterial, designed for high-speed, high-capacity traffic. It prioritizes through traffic over local access, while east-west connectivity is limited to a few arterial and collector roads. Future redevelopment should focus on improving road connectivity to align with regional transportation goals.

• Transit System: Coors Boulevard is part of a key transit route, designated as a Major Transit Corridor, but current service frequency falls below the ideal, affecting accessibility. The area is undergoing transit network revisions that would reroute service off Coors to Unser Blvd. Promoting Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) through aligned land uses and design standards is essential for maintaining quality transit service along the corridor.

• Pedestrian Facilities: Pedestrian infrastructure is fragmented and insufficient, with narrow, poorly maintained sidewalks and a lack of safe crosswalks or ADA-compliant facilities. This creates unsafe conditions, particularly for disabled individuals and transit users. Improvements that establish a safe, continuous, and accessible sidewalk network are critical to enhancing livability for area residents.

• Bicycle Facilities: Bicycle lanes along Coors Boulevard are minimal and disconnected. The long-range plan proposes expanding and protecting these lanes, with necessary buffers to improve cyclist safety on high-speed roads. These upgrades are needed to make cycling a safe and viable mode of transportation and recreation along the corridor.

• Safety: Traffic-related fatalities and injuries, particularly involving pedestrians and bicyclists, are significant concerns. Several crash hotspots along Coors Boulevard have elevated collision rates. The Road Safety Audit recommends speed enforcement, mid-block crossings, continuous sidewalks, and improved lighting. New and upgraded pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure is crucial to improving safety along the corridor.

• Climate Impact: Transportation is a major contributor to climate change through vehicle emissions. Strategies like promoting electric vehicles, carpooling, and developing more walkable, mixed-use communities are essential for reducing the transportation sector’s carbon footprint.

• Land Use & Transportation Mismatch: The current transportation infrastructure does not align well with desired land use patterns. Improving pedestrian, cycling, and transit infrastructure will help support compact, mixed-use developments and reduce car dependency, enhancing livability and sustainability in the Coors Corridor.

The Housing element of the Sector Development Plan will outline a strategic approach to meeting the community's diverse housing needs, with a particular focus on expanding opportunities for affordable housing. This section will need to identify areas within the sector where affordable housing development is both feasible and beneficial, considering factors such as proximity to services and transportation access.

Key Takeaways:

• Housing Related Demographics: The Plan Area contains approximately 3,157 housing units, with a predominance of single-family homes (94.4% occupancy) and a notable portion of the housing stock lacking basic facilities. The broader area shows a significant rent burden, with nearly 80% of renters spending over 30% of their income on rent, while a considerable share of households has been in their homes since before 2000. Implementing policies that incentivize the development of a variety of housing and improve existing housing conditions through targeted renovations and support services.

• Housing Characteristics & Distribution: The housing landscape in the County is primarily low-density, with a sharp decline in new construction since 2010. A significant concentration of single-family homes and mobile homes exists, while higher-density options like townhouses and apartments are lacking, contributing to a gap in affordable housing solutions. The sector plan can facilitate the creation of higher-density housing options by revising zoning regulations and promoting mixed-use developments that integrate various housing types.

• Housing Shortages and Barriers: Rising home prices and limited housing supply due to population growth and insufficient construction have intensified housing shortages. Zoning restrictions and permitting complexities further complicate affordable housing development, while the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges. Streamlining the permitting process and codifying zoning changes that support affordable housing initiatives through this sector plan can help to alleviate these shortages.

• Housing Variety: Diverse housing types promote equitable access and community resilience, aiding in the reduction of homelessness and accommodating varying economic conditions. Greater allowances for diverse housing types, particularly in Activity Centers, can encourage and incentivizing range of units.

• BernCo Housing Programs: Bernalillo County offers various housing programs aimed at providing affordable options for vulnerable populations, including veterans, the elderly, and low-income families, supporting stability and independence.

• Complete Neighborhoods: The complete neighborhood concept emphasizes walkability, access to essential services, and mixed-use development, enhancing quality of life and promoting sustainability while fostering community cohesion. The sector plan should implement design standards and policies that promote complete neighborhoods, ensuring that residential areas are well-integrated with services and amenities.

• Neighborhood Stability: Directing higher-density development to designated activity centers helps preserve established neighborhoods, promoting smart growth while maintaining community identity. Prioritizing activity centers for higher-density developments can reinforcing existing neighborhood character while accommodating growth in places deemed appropriate by higher ranking plans at scales as defined as appropriate by the community.

• Activity Centers Opportunities: Mixed-use Activity Centers enhance neighborhood stability by consolidating residential and commercial uses, providing essential services within walking distance, and catering to diverse housing needs, thereby fostering vibrant and resilient communities. Establishing guidelines for the development of mixed-use activity centers, ensures that they are designed to be accessible and supportive of a variety of community needs and develop at the appropriate character desired by the community.

The Economic Development element of the Sector Development Plan will explore strategies to foster a robust and resilient local economy, with a particular emphasis on enhancing neighborhood services. This section will focus on supporting the growth of businesses and services that are essential to the daily needs of residents, including retail, healthcare, education, and recreational facilities. By identifying key areas for commercial development and providing incentives for businesses that offer vital neighborhood services, the plan aims to improve accessibility and convenience for residents. Enhancing neighborhood services not only strengthens the local economy but also contributes to a higher quality of life by ensuring that residents have easy access to essential services within their community. This approach fosters a more self-sufficient and vibrant neighborhood, reducing travel needs and supporting the overall sustainability and well-being of the sector.

Key Takeaways:

• Industry and Labor Demographics: The greater plan area has a workforce of 13,983 individuals, with a labor force participation rate of 56.58%. Among the employed, 74.6% work in private sectors, 18.7% in government roles, and 6.5% are self-employed. Key occupational sectors include management, business, science, and arts (24%), natural resources, construction, and maintenance (22%), and service occupations (21%). Educational services and healthcare lead in job numbers, highlighting the region’s workforce distribution centered around commercial hubs like Coors and Bridge Boulevards.
• Business Landscape: The Plan Area hosts approximately 120 businesses, with a mix of agricultural, commercial, industrial, and institutional entities. Notable centers such as Avanzado and Las Estancias provide significant commercial space and services, but many businesses are focused on auto-related services, resulting in a lack of neighborhood-serving retail options. Despite high traffic, numerous vacant lots indicate underutilization, suggesting potential for commercial development to meet community needs.
• Jobs and Housing Imbalance: A significant imbalance exists between jobs and housing in the area, predominantly residential with limited local employment. Many residents commute to other parts of Albuquerque, contributing to traffic congestion and infrastructure strain. Coors Boulevard is identified as a key corridor with potential to attract businesses and reduce commuting.
• Challenges in Business Attraction: The area struggles to attract neighborhood-serving businesses due to a lack of designated incentive areas, fragmented land use, and a negative perception as an industrial zone. Strategies are needed to stimulate development, including flexible zoning, targeted incentives, and infrastructure improvements to enhance accessibility and appeal.

The Utilities element of the Sector Development Plan explores strategies for enhancing the resilience and efficiency of the area's infrastructure systems, including water, wastewater, electricity, and telecommunications. This section considers the importance of integrating sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient technologies, water conservation measures, and green infrastructure solutions, to reduce the environmental impact and increase overall system reliability.

Key Takeaways:

• Drainage Infrastructure: The Plan Areas drainage systems, managed by AMAFCA and MRGCD, play a critical role in flood control and irrigation. These systems, including acequias and arroyos, are vital for managing stormwater and preserving the area's agricultural heritage, while also supporting green spaces and recreational trails.
• Stormwater Management: Coors Boulevard lacks adequate flood control measures, leading to frequent flooding during storms. This absence poses safety risks and disrupts development, highlighting the need for improved stormwater infrastructure to protect the area.
• Broadband Connectivity: The plan area has good broadband coverage, meeting FCC standards for download (25 Mbps) and upload speeds (3 Mbps). Adequate broadband fosters economic growth by attracting businesses and supporting remote work, education, and healthcare, making it crucial for long-term resilience.
• Infrastructure Resilience: Resilient infrastructure planning is vital for ensuring long-term sustainability, supporting growth, and minimizing climate impacts.Resilient infrastructure, including water conservation and stormwater management, must be integrated throughout the corridor to promote sustainability and minimize climate change impacts.
• Green Infrastructure and LID: Implementing Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) and Low Impact Development (LID) strategies is essential for enhancing the corridor’s flood resilience. Techniques such as bioswales, permeable pavements, and rain gardens promote sustainable stormwater management, reducing flood risks and supporting environmental sustainability.