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Heated public testimony as Santa Fe council considers seasonal Plaza street closures
Summary
Dozens of residents told the Santa Fe City Council to either preserve driving access to the Plaza or to close streets seasonally; opponents said no safety data was provided, supporters said closures would improve pedestrian access and businesses. The council took public comment but did not adopt a final closure today.
The Santa Fe City Council heard more than an hour of public comment Tuesday on a proposed resolution to close San Francisco Street and other Plaza-adjacent roads on a seasonal basis.
The most immediate conflict centered on evidence and cultural impact. ‘‘I keep hearing that this closure is needed for safety, but I haven't seen the data that supports that conclusion,’’ said Sean Noonan, a resident who urged the council to present a transparent, data-driven case before changing long-standing street access. ‘‘Major public decisions should be based on more than personal experiences or individual stories,’’ he said.
Other speakers warned that closing the last Plaza street would hurt longtime local traditions known as ‘cruising’ and divide the community. ‘‘Closing that last street ends that condition,’’ Aurora Martinez told the council during remote testimony, urging the council to preserve pedestrian access without removing vehicle access entirely.
Supporters of the measure said seasonal closures make the Plaza safer and more accessible to people on foot and can boost local businesses. ‘‘Closing the plaza and closing those roads to car traffic will actually increase the ability of people like me… to safely access and enjoy the plaza and the businesses,’’ Lauren Leib, a District 1 resident, told councilors, urging a trial and investment in multimodal infrastructure.
Multiple commenters raised equity and accessibility questions: some speakers noted that closures must preserve access for people who use walkers, canes or have limited mobility, and urged the city to plan for multimodal options rather than unilateral closures.
Councilors and staff did not take a vote on the closure at this meeting. Instead, the council waived rules to hear an immediate round of public petitions and indicated the conversation will continue; residents on both sides asked for more data, clearer impact analysis and additional community outreach before any permanent change.
The meeting record shows repeated procedural requests and strong emotions from both longtime residents and younger speakers, indicating the council will likely need additional hearings or staff reports before a decision. The council adjourned after closing the public-comment period with no final action on the plaza closures planned for tonight.
