A Better Plaza?

An improved Santa Fe Plaza could be in the works under a new resolution making its way through City Hall.

The measure directs city staff to “explore the options and feasibility” of financing additional infrastructure and improvements to the Plaza; placing more security in the Plaza and surrounding areas; addressing “deceptive marketing practices” and “business license non-compliance” in the Plaza and surrounding areas; and specifying locations for newspaper boxes.

“In the interest of public health, safety and welfare for residents and visitors to the Santa Fe Plaza…the Governing Body desires to take a proactive approach” in addressing these issues, the resolution said.

The city’s Public Works Committee approved the measure Monday night. The resolution goes before the City Council on April 25. If approved, city staff will report back within a month.

Signs that illegally advertising discounts and going out of business sales have long been a bone of contention among downtown area merchants, though the city has tried to crack down on the practice. Busking, graffiti and a large Plaza-based electric box that some perceive as unsightly have also caused problems.

The Santa Fe Downtown Merchants Association has been particularly vocal about its concerns.

According to the resolution, police calls to the Plaza and surrounding areas have been on the rise due to criminal activity including vandalism, graffiti, assaults, robberies and public drunkenness.