The Pueblo of Pojoaque Development Corporation has announced plans to do a makeover of the 323-acre Santa Fe Downs trust land near Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The tribe is now accepting bids on a land use plan for the property. A spokesman for the corporation announced: “This large tract of land is currently underutilized, yet it’s a valuable economic asset to the community. The time is right to plan for its successful future.”
Santa Fe Downs opened as a racetrack in 1971. In 1996 the Pueblo purchased it and operated it as a racetrack until 1997, when it closed it. It has been used for public events since that time. Two years ago, the Bureau of Indian Affairs put the land into trust.
According to the tribe it doesn’t plan to offer gaming or racing. “We envision a land use plan that will fully integrate our natural resources and unique landscape, and protect our cultural values and heritage.”
Residential and commercial uses are envisioned once the existing Santa Fe Downs buildings are demolished.