Dear HCN,
Many thanks to Cathy
Robbins for writing about the abuse of the Petroglyph National
Monument just outside of Albuquerque, N.M. (HCN,
10/25/99).
I am not ashamed to admit the article
brought tears to my eyes. While the plight of the petroglyphs is of
grave concern, the article brought out the larger issue of the
uncontrolled growth of Albuquerque. I am from there, and it breaks
my heart to see not only politicians, but also developers and state
lawmakers viewing land around the city as a way to make money.
Albuquerque represents all that is wrong with the current thinking
in the cities of the Southwest: There isn’t any – except for the
brave souls trying to protect the petroglyphs or preserve open
space. I guess Judith Cordova is right: Developers do
rule.
The “west side” should be left alone. Black
Ranch should not be allowed to develop. The beautiful Sandia
Mountains have already been damaged and scarred, the foothills
becoming a living space for the rich. Wild animals have been killed
or driven out so homes could be built. Does the west side have to
face the same fate?
Please, Albuquerque, please
Sen. Domenici, please, Westland Corp., look around the city and see
what you are doing. Think what poor planning, lack of vision and
the quest for the almighty dollar will leave for your children and
mine.
Thank you again, High Country News, for
bringing this terrible reality to light. As painful as it is, we
have to know the truth.
Paul
Sacco
Los Angeles,
California
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Developers don’t have to rule.
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