Pueblo neighbors express concerns about proposed Ventana Estates housing development

Residents of an upscale neighborhood on Pueblo's south side voiced concerns Wednesday during the Pueblo Planning and Zoning Commission's review of the proposed Ventana Estates subdivision, which calls for 260 single-family homes and townhomes.

Currently, residents of Ventana, which is Spanish for window, have unobstructed views of Pueblo's high plains but plans for a 150-acre development, which initially were approved in 2002, could change that. The overall development plan for Ventana Estates, located just off Colorado Highway 78 west of Ventana Way, calls for 260 dwellings, 165 of which will be single-family residences and 95 of which will be townhomes.

The plan presented Wednesday calls for 25 fewer units than originally approved because the developer wants to build the community with four to five cul-de-sacs instead of linear streets.

The property was purchased for $1.25 million in March of 2022 and is owned by Vestoge Pueblo CO LLC, a Boulder-based company, according to the Pueblo County Assessor's website. The overall development plan was proposed by applicant Ramhari Phuyal of Vestoge, while the initial rezoning application was proposed by applicant Ramesh Kalwala of Vestoge.

Speaking on behalf of the owners, Nathan Bell, a Rifle-based engineer, said the current layout of the subdivision contemplates all lots will be about 7,000 square feet, but he said the owners were seeking a residential 2, or R2 designation, to allow for 50-foot lot widths, "as some of the lots will be narrow," due to the cul-de-sac configuration.

Bell said that the current owner will be both the developer and the builder. It is anticipated that Ventana Way will provide the main access into the development because it will be the quickest route.

Public testimony from residents covered their concerns about density, traffic, fire department access and stormwater drainage. Brian McCafferty expressed concern about the 5,000-square-foot lot size that the R2 designation would allow, pointing out the current Ventana community's "smallest lot in the whole subdivision is I think 8,000 square feet."

Resident Jan Coffee expressed concerns about the "tremendous amount of traffic" that already exists on Bandera to the east of the proposed subdivision.

"This plan is actually less intrusive than the original one that was created in 2002," said Mike Castellucci, commission chair. "At some point Bandera will be a major connection for Pueblo so right now it has relatively low usage but it has been (contemplated) in the master plan as a major connection."

Dedra Mcdade said the proposed western entrance to the new subdivision "is an accident waiting to happen."

Pueblo City Councilor Sara Martinez said she would bring up residents' traffic concerns during the next meeting of the Pueblo Area Council of Governments, which also involves representatives of the Colorado Department of Transportation.

"I would be happy to push them a little bit on this," Martinez said.

"We understand traffic is a concern and as an engineer, I am required to try to optimize traffic flow and not create a hazardous situation," Bell said.

Bell also indicated the subdivision is in its very early stages, so lots have not yet been platted and building types have not been designated.

The commission voted unanimously to recommend Pueblo City Council approve the overall development plan. The commission voted 5-1 to recommend city council approve the rezoning of the first 70-acre parcel with Patrick Avalos casting a "no" vote.

Avalos encouraged the developer to keep the neighbors informed and open up lines of communication to help answer their concerns.

More planning news: Despite opposition, Pueblo planners OK 7th phase of North Vista Highlands subdivision

Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via X, formerly Twitter, at twitter.com/tracywumps. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo neighbors express concerns about proposed housing development