Mayor seeks council approval to use ARPA and TIF tools to clear blight in Bessemer
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Summary
Mayor Heather Graham introduced two resolutions (M13, M16) and one ordinance (S16) to direct the Urban Renewal Authority to address blighted parcels on West Northern, acquire two adjacent lots and approve purchase of a block using ARPA interest funds for redevelopment and demolition contracts.
Mayor Heather Graham told the Pueblo City Council that the city is advancing an initial suite of actions to address blight and catalyze redevelopment in the Bessemer/West Northern area, where boarded and burned buildings have concerned residents and businesses.
Graham outlined three agenda items scheduled for council consideration: resolution M13 requesting the Urban Renewal Authority (PURA) to address blighted properties along West Northern Avenue; resolution M16 directing PURA to acquire two adjacent properties (418 and 420 West Northern) for possible pocket park or parking; and ordinance S16 to approve purchase of a row of buildings at 316–322 West Northern at an amount Graham cited as $999,000 funded from the city’s ARPA interest account.
Why it matters: The mayor said the targeted properties include a severely burned, structurally hazardous building at 323 West Northern that may need demolition; the city proposes using CDBG funds, ARPA interest and possibly Saint Charles TIF district excess revenues as tools to fund demolition, acquisition and public improvements. Graham proposed a stakeholder kickoff on Feb. 19 should council approve the items, and mentioned an RFP to recruit a housing developer for workforce housing on a related parcel.
Councilors generally supported cleanup and redevelopment but raised concerns about the proposed fence at Bessemer Park — some warned that fences must not exclude daytime youth use — and urged parity with East Side efforts. Council discussion included preserving daytime access to parks while addressing nighttime safety and coordinating urban renewal work with community input.
The meeting did not record final votes on the resolutions or ordinance; members asked staff to proceed with community outreach, finalize bidding/demolition details and return with contract and financing specifics.
