Downtown walkway renovation under way

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Kevin Killough
Staff writer

GALLUP — The renovations on the walkway between Aztec and Coal have begun. Longhorn Construction, which is the contractor for the project, has put up barriers to close off the area. The project will also close off one the city’s free parking lots downtown as well. The closures are expected to last until February of next year.

The walkway area will be cleared of all walls, which has offered plenty of spaces that can’t be seen from the street.

The spot is notorious for vagrancy and public drunkenness. The city is hoping that the renovations will allow police officers to spot problems on their patrols up and down Coal and Aztec without having to drive down the alley between the streets or get out of their cars.

Other renovations will help make the area more attractive to tourists.

“One of the things we hear was that people don’t feel safe,” Diaz said.

Longhorn Construction supervisor Pat Serna is asking people to be patient and not ignore the barriers. All foot traffic is prohibited during the duration of the renovations.

In addition to the new look to the walkway, the city will be installing a play area and stage behind the Children’s Library. The project is part of the city’s courthouse project. Phase one was the Memorial Park in front of the courthouse. The funding for this last project was acquired this year.