don’t want to live next to a highway, so that’s where we’ll see our future major commercial growth and opportunities,” Egging details. According to Heyn, Pueblo West’s next wave of growth is happening along several of its major corridors, where commercial activity is expanding. Development is accelerating along Joe Martinez Boulevard and the soon to be completed Medal of Honor Boulevard, which will create a direct connection between Pueblo West and the city of Pueblo. “Purcell Boulevard is an expressway that gives us access to I-25 and Highway 50, and then what the community itself recognizes as its cultural hub is the McCulloch Boulevard,” he explains.“There is also the development of the Purcell Exit (108) interchange with CDOT in the northeast of Pueblo West, where we may see an additional gas or rest station and commercial growth in the future.” When it comes to attracting businesses, Pueblo West is actively looking for opportunities that make the district stand out. “It has always been a bit of a satellite of the city of Pueblo,” Heyn acknowledges. “We’re now exploring opportunities that are unique to Pueblo West. For instance, a Sprouts, Costco, or other type of grocery store might help with the identity.” In addition, the district is on the lookout for opportunities that will bring more jobs to the community. Attracting restaurants and retail that reflects the needs of residents is also a priority.“We hear a lot of folks say they want Outback Steakhouses, restaurants that may be a little bit more upscale, less about fast food chains, and more about either personalized local business or some of those that cater toward a more comfortable community,” Heyn depicts. Heyn shared that Pueblo County’s Unified Development Code (UDC), for planning and zoning, and Pueblo Means Business initiative have propelled Pueblo West forward in making it easy to do business in the district. “Pueblo West has benefited from a collaborative partnership with the County to begin streamlining business development in the area. The UDC makes it far easier and less restrictive for developers, and Pueblo Means Business has brought 146 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11
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