About Us

BEGIN is a coalition made of neighborhood stakeholders working on revitalization of the Bessemer, Bojon Town, and Grove neighborhoods. ​
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BEGIN works to complete neighborhood projects identified in the city-adopted Colorado Smelter Revitalization Plan (revitalization plan). Through BEGIN, neighborhood residents, business owners, and organizations have a voice in neighborhood planning and bring change to the community. .

In 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated an old Colorado Smelter Facility as an “EPA Superfund Site” due to high levels of lead and arsenic found in soil of the surrounding area. Studies completed by the EPA showed a need for soil cleanups and remediation to protect the health and safety of residents living in the neighborhoods. The EPA has worked on soil cleanups and remediation and has sponsored and supported brainstorming and planning of future use and revitalization of the area.​

BEGAN was formed (formerly known as the CSRP), hosted community meetings, developed a Revitalization Plan for the community, and brought the plan to Pueblo City Council for official adoption. Now, BEGIN is working toward carrying out the plan to revitalize the Bessemer, Bojon Town, and Grove neighborhoods.

 From 2017 – 2020, the BEGIN group worked with the City of Pueblo Planning and Community Development Department, EPA, and other neighborhood stakeholders to develop, present, and advocate for a revitalization plan for the three neighborhoods. ​

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The Pueblo City Council adopted the plan in October 2020, and since then, the BEGIN group has been working to prioritize and begin working on implementation of projects identified in the plan.