By Molly Adamson
Sun Correspondent
City Manager Maryann Ustick told the Gallup Business Improvement District Oct 21, that the newly-installed gates at Second and Third Streets appear to be doing their jobs.
The gates were an idea of City Councilor Linda Garcia, Dist. 1, and members of the neighborhood and business community as a possible solution to squatter encampments on rooftops and vandalism, and garbage in alleyways.
“[We] actually reduced the amount of trash collection we have in there, because people are not dumping anymore,” Ustick said. “So it’s been very successful — no reports of anybody on the roof, and I think the businesses are pleased.”
Ustick spoke about the possibility of having more gates installed in other alleys around the city.
The city recently got a request for gates for the alley between Fourth and Fifth Streets. She said after visiting the site with city staff recently, it was determined that it wouldn’t be possible to put up gates in that area.
“It’s very difficult when buildings are set back or they don’t have barricades like fire stone; so not every alley is going to be able to be gated at either end. But it’s certainly something we can consider in the future for alleys that work,” Ustick explained.
The idea of gated alleyways has the support of Mayor Louis Bonaguidi, although he did voice a concern about what would happen if someone got locked inside the alley at night.
Bonaguidi was pleased with the gates' solid construction.
“They’re built to last for sure,” he said.
