A land swap deal between the city of Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico, announced at a press conference Saturday, is being described as an important step forward for both parties — one that addresses several major concernsIn exchange for city-owned property at 1250 Menaul Boulevard, the state will hand over property it owns at 3401 Pan American Freeway and 401 Commercial St. "This land swap is particularly important because it essentially resolves four outstanding issues for the city and state all at once," Mayor Tim Keller said.The state properties are vital to the creation of an entrance, park, and parking area at the head of the Rail Trail, Keller said. And the state's acquisition of the city property will be used for a public safety complex centrally located near the Interstate Highways.In addition, Keller said the takeover of the city land by the state rules out its use as a legal "safe outdoor space" for homeless people. It is also "off the table," he said, as a site for a new solid waste transfer station."We know our city has to have somewhere in the center of the city to make that exchange better and more efficient. But that will not be right here," Keller said.State Sen. Michael Padilla (D-Bernalillo) — who was instrumental in obtaining the funding for the swap through a joint resolution, which does not require the governor's signature — focused on how the deal could make a big difference in Albuquerque's fight against crime."This, as we all know, is a time that New Mexico is facing massive issues related to crime and public safety," Padilla said. "This couldn't be coming at a better time."Albuquerque Chief Administrative Officer Lawrence Rael, whom Keller credited with "dreaming up" the transaction, called the agreement "an opportunity to really do good with each other and really create the collaboration that I think our citizens and taxpayers really want."