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Aspen showed why not to make Main a mall

Regarding the story headlined “Imagine: Main without cars” (Herald, Sept. 3) about making Main Avenue a mall, I have just three words: “Don’t do it.”

I lived in Aspen before, during and after the creation of the mall in downtown Aspen. It was a mess, especially for the merchants who could not get deliveries via their alleys during the winter and for the shoppers because there was no parking nearby, and they had to hike to get downtown from the nearest parking lot.

The other reason I am adamant about not putting a mall on Main Avenue is that Durango is a historical town. We are one of the few great Western towns, which still has a viable Main Avenue with real, functioning businesses. It is the “heartbeat” of Durango with shady trees and wide sidewalks for strolling. As much as we may complain about parking and traffic on Main, it still functions quite nicely and is a huge asset to our community. To put a mall there would indelibly change the original character of Durango and make Gen. William Jackson Palmer roll over in his grave.

Linda Mannix

Durango



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