THE WHOLE STORY

Councilor Joseph Maestas is the sponsor of Bill 2016-22, brought forth in response to concerns expressed by the Canyon Road Merchants Association (CRMA) that public safety requires the prohibition of mobile vendor parking directly on Canyon Road, and on all streets in the surrounding area, due to a recent increase of mobile vendors in Santa Fe. 

Since 2010, Axle Contemporary has been the only mobile vendor with a consistent presence on Canyon Road, once a week and occasionally for Friday Art Walks and other events. Some Councilors, and many Santa Fe residents, feel that Bill 2016-22 proposes overregulation now, and potential unintended consequences in the future.

Axle Contemporary operates as a non-food vendor, in a van that is the same size as a full size pick-up truck (18 feet), with no-noise electricity, and no street-side entry. In all of our locations, we avoid blocking the visibility of brick-and-mortar businesses, unless specifically invited to park in front, or if the business is closed. We've worked successfully with all partners, businesses, police, museums, and other organizations to ensure public safety and a respectful presence everywhere we park.

We were not informed about the CRMA concerns before or during the development of this bill, and (thanks to Councilor Lindell) only learned about the City Council hearing hours before the vote.

Irene Hofmann, Director and Chief Curator of SITE Santa Fe, reported to the City Council on her experience of welcoming of Axle’s weekly presence, stating: “They are very conscientious in the way they operate at SITE and around the city.” Also advocating for Axle on Canyon Road, Sandra Brice, Events & Marketing Director at the Railyard, questioned whether there was a failure in communication with Axle, and suggested that better dialogue might prevent the need for the City of Santa Fe to impose unnecessary regulation.

Faced with the possibility of new regulations for a problem very few had noticed, the question we’re hearing most frequently is: why would anyone want to push Axle Contemporary off Canyon Road?

Taken aback by the testimony at the hearing, Councilor Maestas responded quickly, saying, "It was never my intent to specifically ban any particular vehicle vendor.  This was strictly a public safety issue." Councilor Ives (co-sponsor) expressed real surprise and dismay that the bill would affect Axle at all.

City staff has been instructed to explore whether any safe spaces can be found for mobile vendors on Canyon Road (and adjacent cross streets). Councilor Maestas is considering an amendment to expand hours for mobile vendors on Canyon Road, and has promised to bring everyone together to reach consensus on a parking location, once the study is complete.

Axle Contemporary requires access to pedestrians on Canyon Road itself, during normal business hours, and for openings and other events. Also, all private property should be exempt from the proposed regulations. This will allow property owners to retain control of their private parking areas and also permit Axle to continue collaborating with businesses in the area. If it is not possible to amend the bill and resolution accordingly, we ask that city council reject the bill entirely.

We are artists ourselves, dedicated to supporting New Mexico artists, and the flourishing of our city & state. We add to the vitality of Santa Fe by providing the chance to experience non-commercial and experimental contemporary art, and bringing the work of hundreds of New Mexico artists to schools and underserved communities in town, throughout the state, and beyond, through contact with locals, visitors and members of print, broadcast and social media.

We collaborate regularly with local public and private arts organizations and leading galleries to effectively extend their outreach. We receive support through Axle Projects from NM Arts, The City of Santa Fe Arts Commission, and the McCune Foundation, among others; and, we are a much-appreciated presence in all other Santa Fe arts districts.

We bring locals and visitors to Canyon Road, many of whom come specifically for our exhibitions, increasing the visibility, spirit and standing of Santa Fe as a Creative City.

Sales on Canyon Road are one of the many crucial small sources of revenue that help to defray our total cost of operation.

It is in the heart of the city that locals and visitors come out in abundance, specifically to enjoy the street life  – whether that’s the plaza, Canyon Road, or the Railyard. Restrictions on creative activities in these areas will gradually lead to a stultification of the vibrancy of the city as a whole. If our economy depends on arts and on tourism, we should encourage innovation and public expression in the center of the city. Otherwise, downtown will become an outdated commercial tourist attraction with decreasing relevance to our people and our time. Property owners, residents, and businesses in the Canyon Road Arts District are valued and must be respected.  But this is also our civic space as a whole community, and the public spaces, including the streets, especially in the highly trafficked downtown areas, are vital to the heath of the entire city. Public art exhibition, performance, and other creative activities have a reciprocal and beneficial impact on locals and visitors. Mobile vendors offer a vital presence that helps these areas thrive and remain relevant. Let's keep our city vibrant! 

Although the property owners and established businesses on Canyon Road who deserve our respect will soon adapt to living with mobile vendors, the City’s character, vitality, and economic potential will not adapt to losing that opportunity. In this case, less regulation equals more vitality.

                                                                                 -Zane Fischer

Public input is essential!

Keep calm and let's fix this together!

This is a learning process for everyone who cares.

Please be respectful in speech and action

with all who may be impacted by this important vote.