Here we are, sitting in Room 323, third floor of the Strater Hotel, above Main Street, dreading another night in the historic district.
This will likely be a long night without much sleep as the area is once again given over to loud music (usually the Balcony outdoor stage), or the drunks pouring out of the Roadhouse.
Thursday through Saturday has been loud yelling, roaring cars, corner buskers, and “drum parades” that may have been part of the music festival.
This is part of a five-day visit for us to enjoy Durango. We will have spent $1600 or so on lodging and meals at the hotel, about $600 for train tickets and souvenirs, park tour fees and souvenirs at Mesa Verde that total $175, and at least $850 with merchants along Main. Throw in transportation from Arizona and other meals while in the area or on the San Juan Skyway for $500. That makes $3725 for our investment to come see your city.
So, which is worth more, attracting tourists or serving a few more rounds at 1:00 a.m.?
The situation is not the fault of the hotel. The employees have tried to get rid of the loud groups in front of the building. It is the city that has failed them, the guests who come for the train and historic district, and tour groups that make the lifeblood of the area.
There is no reason that the bars need to be here, or have late hours. I read that you have an ordinance allowing the declaration of a quiet zone. Do it for the historic district. Put a deadline on business hours, backed by a curfew. Except for the theaters, there would be no reason for people to be on the streets a half hour after closing. Shut them down at 10 p.m. would be my vote. Remember, there are a lot of guests in these hotels with early calls for the train, Mesa Verde tours and group departures. Also, remember that the restaurants and bars in the hotels provide enough drinking choices and can be much more controlled. You are not declaring a “dry zone.”
I know, if I come to a college town on a fall weekend, what should I expect? Well, I expect I am not the first to complain. I expect to be able to enjoy the hotel and historic area and still get some sleep at night.
And, I expect, this will be our last trip to Durango.
Ron and Donna Ramsey
Cottonwood, Ariz.
