Homeless Campsite Snag

By: Mireya Garcia

COLORADO SPRINGS- A snag in the homeless campground project. The business plan may be delayed by months, or wiped out all together.

The businessmen spearheading the project must now submit an amended development plan to the city if they wish to move forward.

The proposed purpose for the 14 acres of land was revealed a month ago, along with the goal of completing the for profit campsite in 90 days. The area would have been an inexpensive campground for the homeless or those in extreme poverty, but the City Planner’s Office determined the 1982 plan for the site is expired.

“The site has been vacant for a number of years. It was developed many years ago, and we need to make sure the current proposal is to make sure the current proposal is in line with our current proposal regulations,” says Ryan Tefertiller form the City Planners Office.

Springs Councilman Tom Gallagher is a supporter of the campsite, he tells NEWSCHANNEL13, “I am disappointed and puzzled. We are talking about a piece of property that has for 60 plus years been a campground. It was zoned as a campground by the County Commissioners.”

The need for an amended development plan does not stop the creation of the homeless campsite, but it could potentially add to the time it takes to approve it. “What could potentially send the process beyond the 90 day timeframe could be appeals,” says Tefertiller.

The questions surrounding the approval process of the campsite have also posed a problem in finding financing for the purchase of the land. That may mean the empty lot will remain as it is.