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Alamosa considers leasing city parcel to relocate Gingerbread Child Care with Adams State’s help
Summary
City Manager Sanchez told Alamosa council Adams State University has engaged the Gingerbread Child Care board on relocation options and asked the city to consider leasing a southeast parcel for modular units; councilors broadly supported partnership while asking about utilities, soil and neighborhood outreach.
City Manager Sanchez said Adams State University (ASU) brought the city into talks after campus construction would displace the Gingerbread Child Care, and staff proposed leasing a city-owned parcel southeast of town as a short-term, low-cost solution while the provider seeks a permanent site. "ASU ... wanted to make sure that we were working together and brought the city to the table," Sanchez said.
The proposal under discussion would allow Gingerbread to place modular units on undeveloped city land near Cemetery Road; staff recommended a short-term lease (a nominal- or "dollar" lease was discussed) so the city retains ownership if the provider later ceases operations. Staff noted trade-offs between two candidate lots: utilities appear comparable, but one parcel has poorer soil (alkali and lower elevation) that could increase development costs.
Councilors questioned alternatives closer to town and whether the Villa Mall (the former Hobbytown site) had been considered. Sanchez said the Villa Mall option had been reviewed but could be similarly or more costly when purchase and remodel are compared with new construction on undeveloped land.
Several councilors emphasized the shortage of affordable, certified early-childhood care and endorsed a partnership to keep Gingerbread operating. Councilor Carson asked about utilities and the feasibility of using excavated dirt from other city sites; Harry, a city staff member, said, "I think the utilities, it's it's it's pretty much a wash," and noted city excavation stockpiles could supply some fill.
Public comment supported the move. Zach Reeves said the project would help retain residents, while urging attention to access on Old Airport Road and 12th Street. Kevin Daniel, vice president of administration at Emstate, said Gingerbread "has recently applied for a grant that would help cover probably most, if not all, the costs of this," and that Emstate will help with business planning.
No formal vote was taken. Sanchez and staff said they would continue discussions with the Gingerbread board, Adams State and potential funders, refine site and cost estimates, and return to the council with recommended lease language and next steps.
