City plans future hotel near Sky High Event Center with local investors

The Monte Vista City Council meeting on May 1, 2025, focused primarily on the development of a new hotel near the Sky High Event Center, addressing site selection, safety concerns, and community impact.

City officials discussed the extensive planning and studies conducted to support the hotel project, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive analysis to determine the appropriate size and location of the hotel. An independent third-party study confirmed that the hotel would significantly benefit the event center and the local economy. The discussions highlighted the importance of the hotel's proximity to the event center to facilitate safe pedestrian traffic during events.

Concerns were raised about potential safety issues due to increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic, particularly during events at the Sky High Center. Council members expressed a desire for a "walking campus" concept, where visitors could safely move between the hotel and the event center without adding to local traffic congestion.

The meeting also touched on the relocation of baseball fields and the carnival, which are traditionally held in the area designated for the hotel. City officials noted that moving these facilities would ultimately increase usable space and enhance safety for event-goers.

In conclusion, the council moved forward with plans to sell the land for the hotel to a local investment group, ensuring that the property remains locally owned. The next steps include finalizing plans and preparing necessary documents for the sale, with a resolution expected to be presented at the May 15 council meeting. This development is seen as a significant step towards enhancing local tourism and supporting the community's economic growth.