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Council approves $500,000 ARPA-interest incentive to remove Greyhound Park blight
Summary
Council authorized a $500,000 transfer from ARPA interest to fund demolition incentives for the former Greyhound Park, citing safety and redevelopment potential; developers said demolition would unlock hotel and multifamily interest but council debated guarantees and timelines before approving 5-2.
The Pueblo City Council voted to establish a Greyhound Park blight-removal project and to transfer $500,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) interest to incentivize demolition and redevelopment of the former dog-track site.
Staff said demolition estimates for the existing facilities are about $600,000 and that the Urban Renewal Authority may reimburse up to $216,000 in 2026 if its board approves. The $500,000 is intended to make the site economically viable for private redevelopment and is subject to a development agreement that will set redevelopment timelines and conditions.
Developer Jeff Patch, appearing by Zoom, said vandalism and theft have damaged the structure severely and that his team has already discussed the site with hotel chains and other developers. "We've talked with 1 Choice Hotels... Days Inn Hotels. They both have interest in putting hotels there," Patch said, and he urged immediate clearance so redevelopment can proceed.
Council debate focused on risk and enforceable commitments. Councilor Roger Gomez and others pressed for assurances that the city’s funds would be protected with redevelopment timelines and conditions; staff said no dollars would be spent before a development agreement and that the agreement would return to council for approval by ordinance. Councilor Joe Latino and others opposed or raised concerns about security and priority of funds in other districts; the final vote was 5-2 in favor.
Next steps: Staff will draft a development agreement containing redevelopment benchmarks and conditions tied to reimbursement; demolition funds will not be released until the agreement is approved by ordinance and any required conditions are met.
