Council preserves name "Juniper Flats" for senior housing property despite administration caution
November 05, 2025 | Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico
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Administration response and legal caution: The CAO told council the city does not yet own the property and that naming generally involves coordination with the executive branch; city attorneys cautioned that overly prescriptive directives tied to appropriations can raise separation-of-powers issues because courts view detailed micromanagement of executive functions skeptically. City legal staff advised caution but also said naming decisions are within the council's authority; the CAO said staff would work with council to find a solution.
Council rationale: Sponsors argued the name preserves dignity for future residents and avoids labeling the property as a shelter. Councilor Grout said changing the name to include the word "gateway" could suggest the building is a temporary shelter rather than permanent affordable housing and would stigmatize residents.
Outcome: The council adopted the resolution preserving the Juniper Flats name; the vote was unanimous.
What happens next: the administration and council staff will coordinate on signage and naming follow-through as the property acquisition and operational details continue to be worked through.
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