About Alvarado Gardens Neighborhood
Alvarado Gardens Neighborhood Association (AGNA) is the official city-recognized association for this neighborhood.
Uniqueness of Alvarado Gardens
- Rural & agricultural in character, yet within the city limits.
- Closely tied to the Rio Grande and its inner valley, yet minutes from downtown.
- A neighborhood where five‑acre estates are adjacent to thirty‑year old, tree‑shaded trailer parks.
- Home to a variety of cultural groups that coexist with a common bond: the desire to live in an area more closely involved with the natural environment than anywhere else in the city, while enjoying (and being willing to be taxed for) city services and urban advantages.
Alvarado Gardens Neighborhood is bounded by the Rio Grande Bosque on the west, Rio Grande Boulevard on the east, Candelaria and Veranda Roads on the north, and Campbell and Vicic Roads on the south. The area has maintained an open and agricultural character since it was settled in the 1930's, attracting residents who enjoy raising livestock, growing crops, and living in a non‑suburban setting. This neighborhood probably also contains a greater diversity of socio‑economic groups than anywhere in the city. As are many or most neighborhood plans, the one for this area is centered around the issue of maintaining the special character of the Alvarado Gardens neighborhood. The existence of a rural/urban neighborhood is an asset to the entire city for several reasons:
- It provides diversity and choice in lifestyles for residents ofAlbuquerque; no other area shares its advantages.
- Residents of this neighborhood pay taxes and are a part of the city, unlike many valley residents living in the county who have been called "parasites" on city services.
- The large influx of people from all over the city (and county) to this neighborhood to visit the Rio Grande bosque, use the recreational trails, visit the Nature Center, swim or raft in the Rio Grande, experience relief (visually and emotionally) from the urban environment, demonstrates the importance and need for this kind of environment.
It must be clearly stated, however, that it is not the intention of this neighborhood plan to attempt to restrict development. It is, rather, to draw to the attention of city officials, developers, and all city residents, that this neighborhood has the assets and special character described, so that new development or changes will reflect and enhance this character. We hope that most people’s vague awareness of an area between the Thomas Village Sub division and Rio Grande Nature Center will be crystallized into clear recognition of an interesting, vital neighborhood with unique characteristics requiring special consideration. If the special nature of this neighborhood is not preserved, not only residents of the neighborhood, but all city residents will be the losers.