Pueblo County neighbors cite delay on proposed pot farm as political

Concerned neighbors near Red Creek Springs Road are calling Pueblo County Commissioner Sal Pace’s decision to delay voting on a medical pot farm a political move.

“They’ve already made up their mind. Sal Pace just wants to push this off, so he’s thinking about just himself,” said Luke Wodiuk.

Wodiuk lives near a proposed medical marijuana grow on 5715 Red Creek Springs Road. Pueblo County commissioners were slated to vote Monday on an application submitted by William Fodge for WTJ Family Enterprises but Pace initiated a motion to move the vote to Oct. 29. The motion had unanimous support.

Pace said he wants the county to study how the grow would affect development along Red Creek Springs Road.

“We’re asking staff to get us some information on the record,” Pace said.

Neighbors who live near the proposed site are worried the grow would change the culture of their neighborhood and diminish their property values.

“It’s not the right place in this community to build this,” said Cheryl Cosyleon.

Monday’s meeting marked the third time neighbors have met with commissioners to discuss the possible pot grow.

“[Pace] wants to get re-elected so he doesn’t want to make a decision and pass this marijuana grow because it’s going to uproar the community of Stone Moor Hills and the people of the Red Creek Springs area that have nice, valuable bluff lots,” Wodiuk said.

But Pace denied that delaying the vote had anything to do with his reelection.

“A vote will occur a full seven days before any election day and so the voters will have full knowledge of my position when they go and vote,” Pace said.

Fodge denied KRDO NewsChannel 13’s request for an interview.