Jay Faught of the Rio Metro Regional Transit District briefed councilors at the Monday, April 18 meeting about the upcoming celebration of National Train Day. Faught said on Saturday, May 7, a Rail Runner train, other locomotives and railroad equipment will be on display at the train platform of Downtown’s Alvarado Transportation Center.The Council again extended the deadline to submit fire-sprinkler plans until July 28 for restaurants that are more than 5,000 square feet. The Frontier, Doc & Eddy’s and some Dion’s Pizza locations are examples. Restaurant owners say it is a financial hardship to come up with the $70,000 to $100,000 it may take to retrofit their buildings. Albuquerque Fire Department Chief James Breen said his first priority is public safety. The fire code change was originally adopted in 2005, and businesses were given until 2009 to comply. The Council voted on a two-year extension in 2009 and another short one earlier this year [“A Toxic Mess,” Jan. 27-Feb. 2, 2011].
Council Watch:
The next meeting is set for 5 p.m. on Monday, May 2, in the Council Chambers in the basement of City Hall.Send your comments about the City Council to carolyn@alibi.com
