Alamosa council leans to keep St. Benedict’s campsite open, orders stricter rules and fast‑track review

Alamosa City Council heard staff reports and more than 50 public comments at a work session on the future of St. Benedict’s campsite and signaled a decision to keep the site open for now while ordering a prompt review of rules and enforcement.

City staff described St. Benedict’s as a city‑owned, emergency campsite opened during the COVID pandemic and originally justified in part by the 2018 Martin v. Boise framework. Staff said the site offers a single potable water point, porta‑potties, security cameras, Wi‑Fi, a dedicated parking area and limited electricity before a recent electrocution prompted utility removal. One‑time start‑up costs were listed at about $187,000, including fencing and site work; staff estimated ongoing annual costs at roughly $16,200 in direct payments plus $2,800–$3,000 in in‑kind services (a combined operating total near $20,000 per year). The city noted a $145,000 grant for design and engineering that may need to be returned if the camp is closed.

A trio of public safety reports framed the operational risks:…