Some notes while pondering the build-out of lots with multiple housing units within our existing neighborhoods:

The Regional Housing Alliance has identified the need for 790 housing units to meet the expected growth of the city and county in the next 10 years. These are to house people who will live and work here.

Housing concerns presented to the Housing Policy Advisory Committee by the city planners cover the affordable and attainable homeowner challenge in Durango and is tasked with identifying solutions to this problem. The focus needs to be on homes in the $350,000 to $400,000 range.

“Support established neighborhoods” and establish “character districts” throughout the city is a stated goal of the City Council.

Allowing condominiumization of lots in our established neighborhoods does not meet the stated goals or needs of our community.

Prices for homes developed on these lots exceed what working families and individuals in Durango, on average, can afford: Day House Compound town houses $569,000 to $625,000; The bungalows on Third Avenue $659,000, $664,000, $679,000; Day House Duplex currently on the market for $879,000; 2450 West Second Ave. Condos A&B Units $689,000 each.

Owners of these properties have mailing addresses in Texas (two), Connecticut, Florida, Georgia and New York. Only three owners have Durango addresses out of nine properties found on the tax rolls.

Allowing development of homeowners associations and planned developments on neighborhood lots is not meeting any goals set by the City Council, it isnot providing attainable housing and is a direct threat to the established neighborhoods.

Alma Taylor Evans

Durango