April 13, 2004 – The Senate Finance Committee approved a new lease for the Sub Base Pueblo supermarket on Tuesday that could mean a massive redesign for the store if passed by the full Senate.
Pueblo attorney Adriane Dudley told the committee the warehouse-like store would undergo extensive renovations as soon as the 10-year lease is approved by the full Senate. She said the improvements would include a new deli, a video store, an automated teller machine and space for various retail outlets.
In addition, Dudley said, the parking lot now shared with the Motor Vehicle Bureau would be redesigned "to maximize the number of parking spaces for both parties."
The new lease is for $150,000 a year, $9,000 more than the previous lease, which expired last Dec. 31. However, the rent would be reduced to $120,000 during the first year, when the renovations would be under way.
Dudley said Pueblo officials appreciate the break during the first part of the renovation period, which she estimated could last 18 months to two years. "It's not a lot, but we appreciate it," she said.
The Sub Base supermarket employs about 50 people, and some would be able to continue working during the renovation process, Dudley said.
Approval of the lease came on a unanimous vote of 4-0. Committee members present were Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg, the chair; and Sens. Roosevelt David, Louis Hill and Shawn-Michael Malone. Sen. Luther Renee was excused from the session. Sens. Norman Jn Baptist and Ronald Russell were absent.
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