I’m looking at the front page of the Herald from May 27. The first story discusses Durango’s childcare access crisis and the desperate shortage of affordable childcare. The second story asks what the city should do with the old Head Start building and site.
The city is considering partnering with a developer to build housing there – some affordable, most not. I understand that affordable housing is among the city’s highest priorities, but look again at that newspaper page. Affordable childcare is also a critical need.
Families can only afford to live here and rent or buy a home if they can work. And many parents can only work if they have access to affordable childcare.
The old Head Start site was already set up to serve children. It sits near the public library, the river trail and the botanical gardens, all valuable community resources for families. It is located in a neighborhood well suited for young children and their caregivers.
I believe the city should support and help fund the creation of an affordable childcare facility at the former Head Start site. It seems like an ideal location to help address one of Durango’s most pressing challenges.
As the city considers the future of this property, I hope officials remember the needs of local families and the important role childcare plays in our community’s economic health.
Connie Durand
Durango
