2 Pueblo business parks get preliminary 'OK' from planners, heading for City Council approval

Tracy Harmon, The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo.
·2 min read

Apr. 20—Two pending business parks got initial approval from the Pueblo Planning and Zoning Commission Wednesday which could lead to new business activity in Pueblo.

Doug Stout of Stout Subdivision DL Land, LLC got approval from the planning commission on his proposal to rezone a vacant lot at 2314 S. Prairie Ave. from single family housing to a business park designation. The planning commission will recommend Pueblo City Council give final approval to the rezoning.

Stout indicates he plans to develop the property for rental spaces. The business zone would allow for retail, office and warehouse uses.

He proposes to create six structures that will be rented.

Neighbors Ernie and Taryn Felzien voiced concerns about stormwater drainage issues. Joe Gagliano of Gagliano Engineering Inc. spoke on behalf of Stout, indicating he was willing to meet with the couple to address their concerns.

Gagliano also pointed out that stormwater drainage plans will have to be approved before the plat is "OK'd."

Taryn Felzien also said she had concern that a retail marijuana store could be one of the renters, but was assured by planning officials that Pueblo is limited to eight marijuana retail stores and there already are eight located in city limits.

Jason Casados received the "OK" from the planning commission for a plan to rezone his 2.68 acre site which features an 14,000 square foot office building and parking lot at 2039 Alma Ave.

The commission recommends Pueblo City Council approve the business park zone so that Casados can move his Vapor Source Inc. headquarters and lab to the building which already houses a martial arts business.

Vapor Source has nine full-time employees. The company's lab receives nicotine and other flavors to manufacture e-liquid vaping nicotine products which are then distributed to nine stores.

"The manufacture is very light, involving hand tools and air compressors," Casados told the commission.

Speaking in favor of the plan was Pueblo Police Officer Nikki Thomas, representing the Pueblo Police Benevolent Association which meets in a building next door to Casados' office building. She said Casados has cleaned up the property and is promoting positivity in the area.

Casados said in his application that he wants to move the operation from its current site on Santa Fe where he pays $10,600 a month rent. Accommodations have been made to allow space for both the Vapor Source business and the recreational martial arts facility currently on site.

Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via Twitter at twitter.com/tracywumps.