Ute Mountain Ute Tribe plans Mesa Verde pottery shop as community visitor center

The Montezuma County Planning and Zoning meeting on March 13, 2025, focused on a proposal to reopen the Mesa Verde pottery shop as a visitor center, museum, and retail store. The applicant aims to enhance the local economy by creating an outdoor vendor village that will be accessible to all community members.

The property, located directly off Highway 160, has existing infrastructure, including water and sewer services. The applicant has invested significantly in restoring the building, which has been closed for several years, and is eager to open within the next month to month and a half. The proposal includes a covered area for outdoor vending, allowing local artisans to sell their crafts.

Concerns were raised regarding the proximity of the vendor village to a nearby cemetery, particularly about potential noise and traffic during funeral services. The applicant assured the commissioners that they would respect funeral ceremonies by shutting down operations during such events and agreed to limit outdoor music to acoustic performances only.

Public comments from cemetery board members expressed support for the reopening but highlighted the need for a privacy fence to mitigate noise during funerals. The board members emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful environment for grieving families.

After discussions, the commissioners voted to recommend approval of the rezoning application, contingent on the establishment of a privacy fence and adherence to noise regulations. This decision is seen as a critical step toward revitalizing the local economy, especially in light of recent federal funding challenges. The next steps will involve further coordination between the applicant and the county to finalize the details of the proposal.