University Hills residents voice concerns with plans for north Pueblo subdivision

The Pueblo Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday recommended approval of a future development project planned for Downtown and worked on two others that will expand the city’s borders to the south and north. 

The bulk of attention focused on the North Vista Highlands subdivision located north of Vision Hills Parkway and east of Overton Road in north Pueblo. The majority of the subdivision, which totals 1,186 acres  is owned by David Resnick of Castle Rock, who has sold a 289 lot portion to Gary Burke of Pueblo Sprout Development LLC, an Ohio-based company; and another 304 lots to an investment gorup managed by Dan Dinwiddie.

Infrastructure work is in progress on the first 1,100-acre section of the development where plans call for the construction of single-family homes and apartment units. A total of 250 lots already are platted and 340 apartment units also are planned there. 

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Residents who live in the area voiced concerns about the density of homes, their property values being diminished by the presence of less expensive homes, stormwater drainage and how the development’s proposed metro district would operate. Residents were assured that even with a metro district the subdivision would still have to comply with all City of Pueblo ordinances. 

Resnick said the project always called for the building density that was proposed when the planned unit development initially was approved in 2008. He also pointed out that many communities in Colorado have subdivisions with less expensive homes built next to higher-end homes.

“As it builds, I am sure there will be a lot of noise from University Hills (residents),” Resnick said. “I know they are not going to like having less expensive homes next to where they live, but they will be for people who cannot afford the homes they (University Hills residents) live in." 

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After hearing testimony and questions from those neighboring residents, the commission recommended Pueblo City Council approve development amendments to allow for a water-saving ground cover on landscape buffer tree lawns as well as an amendment that will allow the formation of a metro district instead of a homeowners association. The board voted 5-1 with Patrick Avalos casting the lone “no” vote. 

It will be up to city council to decide the final outcome of the proposed amendments. 

Pueblo Springs apartments project gets the 'OK' from planning and zoning

The commission also gave unanimous approval recommending Pueblo City Council "OK" annexation of the Pueblo Springs Apartments project which encompasses 18 acres south of West 31st Street and east of North Pueblo Boulevard in south Pueblo.

The future multifamily housing project will include a first phase of 200 apartment units followed in the future by a second phase of 110 units. 

"We are planning to go ahead and develop the project as soon as possible which is why we want to annex into the city,” said property owner Emery Chukly. 

Commission approves rezoning for Holmes Hardware project

The commission also recommended city council approve rezoning for the Phase 2 plan for the Fuel and Iron Project’s Holmes Hardware block at 400 S. Union Ave. 

Denver-based commercial real estate developers Nathan Stern and Zach Cytryn are undertaking a $15.3 million revitalization of the 1915 Union Ave. gem and surrounding property.

On Wednesday Stern detailed plans for the 2.12-acre property south of B Street and west of Union Avenue which call for multifamily housing units, a child care center, a community garden and performance spaces. He said the multifamily housing will have between 20 to 32 apartment units. 

Following questions from the commission about fencing to block access to the railroad tracks, Stern said he will ensure there is site fencing to protect the safety of everyone who visits the property. 

The rezoning also will require a special use permit from the Pueblo Zoning Board of Appeals. 

Following the public hearing, Stern told the commission he appreciates “the considerable time and energy” that city staff has dedicated to helping the Fuel and Iron Project advance. 

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Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via Twitter at twitter.com/tracywumps.