by Joshua Curtis
Daily Lobo
Some businesses in the Harvard Mall may be torn down to make room for housing and commercial development, said John Gates, who started a petition against the renovation.
The historic spot of the city will be ruined and will only serve to bring fancy restaurants and rich kids into the neighborhood, said Keith Williams, a local resident and employee of Green Light Bistro.
"It's a horrible thing - build more space for Nob Hill-style businesses to make more money," he said. "This spot is the heart of Albuquerque."
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Gates, a former UNM professor who lives on Harvard Street, said 478 people signed the petition.
Megan Strom, a manager at the bistro, agreed.
"Both the owner and myself are disappointed. It damages the business climate," she said.
Harvard Mall Partners own much of the real estate on Harvard Street.
The group plans to remove some of the existing businesses to make way for housing and commercial space that would have 7,200 square feet of commercial space and 46 one-bedroom and two-bedroom housing units, according to a report from the Environmental Planning Commission.
The commission approved the plans Aug. 17.
People must own property within 100 feet of the area to be renovated in order to appeal the overhaul, Gates said.
Harvard Mall Partners did not return phone calls Tuesday.
Charlotte Webster, owner of the Summerhouse Tea and Trading Company, said she is disappointed.
"I think it's a shame. This building is sound and lovely, but it is their land," she said. "Ever since I moved in, they have been saying it's going down."
The tea company's building has been there since the 1930s, she said.
In 1978, it was the Natural Sound music store and has also housed two or three metaphysical bookstores, she said.
The renovation might cause parking problems, she said. It also might make rent too expensive for the small businesses to afford, she said.
Mohammad Menassera, a member of the family that owns Petra CafÇ and Restaurant, said the renovation will not put much of a dent in business.
The restaurant has a loyal group of customers who will keep coming if the restaurant moves, he said.
