New AFA Visitor Center considered urban renewal land

The Colorado Springs City Council is creating an urban renewal area for land that will be home to the Air Force Academy’s new visitor’s center. The decision is causing controversy.

The council voted 5-3 Tuesday to designate the land along North Gate Blvd. blighted, creating the True North Commons Urban Renewal District.

Several council members objected to the designation, saying the land didn’t meet the standards required for blighted land.

City staffers estimate the renewal will collect about 16 million in sales and property taxes over the next 25 years.

That money will be used on the visitor’s center as well as infrastructure for commercial development on the surrounding land.