🌱 City To Convert Hotel Into Apartments + Body Found In Brush Fire

Morning, friends! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Albuquerque Patch newsletter. Let's get this Wednesday started off right with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Very windy in the afternoon. High: 74 Low: 40.
• Thursday: Breezy in the afternoon. High: 65 Low: 37.

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Here are the top three stories today in Albuquerque:

1. The City of Albuquerque announced that it will be converting the closed SureStay Hotel in northeast Albuquerque's Hotel Circle into a 100-unit apartment. The project is part of the city's efforts to increase sustainable and affordable housing options. City officials said that they are planning for renovations to be completed by the end of the year. (KOB 4)
2. Albuquerque police have announced that firefighters discovered a body in southeast Albuquerque while responding to a seemingly routine brush fire on Sunday afternoon. While putting out a brush fire behind a tree, firefighter discovered the body and called in the Albuquerque Police Department. Police officials are now considering the situation a homicide investigation and are working to identify the victim, whose body was burned so badly that officials said it is difficult to identify who they were. (KOB 4)
3. Albuquerque officials said that the new "Rest on Red" technology, which turns the signal light red when it notices a speeding driver approaches the intersection, is now currently active in several intersections. The intersections currently using the new technology are at Carlisle, Girard, and Walter along the Leaf and Coal Avenues between Nob Hill and east Downtown. City Council President Pat Davis said of the new technology, "Since the signals had been turned on, we have not had any reported accidents in the previous seven days on that stretch of Lead and Coal, which is quite the accomplishment for all of us who have heard from neighbors for years and years." (KRQE News 13)

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Today and tomorrow in Albuquerque:

Wednesday, April 19

• Baby-Toddler Storytime At San Pedro Branch Library (11:15 AM)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night At Ponderosa Brewing Company (7:00 PM)

Thursday, April 20

• Preschool Storytime At Lomas Tramway Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night At 505 Spirits (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Calling all house hunters! To help you in your search for a new home, check out this roundup of real estate properties currently on the market in and around the Albuquerque area. (Albuquerque Patch)
• The Albuquerque Public Schools District is selling its famous gold bar treats today (Apr. 19) from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Berna Facio Professional Development Center on Louisiana. You can get a dozen of the peanut butter bars topped with chocolate for $25 while supplies last. (KRQE News 13)
• The Albuquerque Public Schools District would like to recognize and honor its thousands of dedicated and hard-working volunteers. The district has also announced this year's winners for its outstanding volunteer awards as part of Global Volunteer Month. Check out the list of winners at the link. (Albuquerque Public Schools via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Hats and Afternoon Tea at the Cemetery (April 30)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. See you all soon for another update!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.