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County plans public hearing after La Puente proposal; site access, CDGB funding and neighborhood concerns flagged
Summary
County staff said a proposed reuse of the Powell building (La Puente/PALS) in East Alamosa is advancing toward site planning and CDBG funding steps. Staff said the agency will hold public hearings and coordinate CDOT if highway access is needed; neighbors have raised concerns about future uses and the potential for a homeless shelter.
County staff briefed the board on a proposal to repurpose the Powell building in East Alamosa for early‑childhood and community services with CDBG funding support. Staff said the Community Development Block Grant allocation is being repurposed for the site and that the county will hold public hearings before any final approvals.
Staff said the CDBG administrator advised the county the pivot of funds may not require additional hearings at the state level, but county staff intends to hold local public hearings to give the neighborhood notice and collect feedback. The county plans to hold a public hearing in the East Alamosa community, tentatively scheduled for around Feb. 25 from 6 to 7 p.m., at the early childhood center; staff said they will confirm the date when project details are available.
Key issues that staff flagged for the board and neighbors include access to the site: if the developer maintains the rear wall and does not create a new driveway, the project will need CDOT approval to access the highway. Staff said they have not yet received plans and that final permitting choices — commercial site plan versus special use permit — depend on the project narrative and site design.
Commissioners noted neighborhood concerns about future uses, including fear the building could later become a homeless shelter. Staff said site design, permitted uses and the public‑hearing process are the proper places to review and limit future uses.
Staff said they will schedule the public hearing, coordinate with East Alamosa Water and Sanitation where needed, and return to the board with formal site plans and permitting recommendations. No formal county approvals were taken at the meeting; staff emphasized next steps would include at least two public hearings for site development (planning commission and county commission) if the project proceeds beyond the funding pivot.
