Bayfield is one of the fastest growing areas in the Southwest, but the growth has been manageable.
“We’ve grown at a pace that is sustainable – it isn’t exorbitant,” said Bayfield Town Manager Chris La May.
Mayor Matt Salka said the town is looking for more residential opportunities. Bayfield’s estimated population is 2,687 according to the most recent U.S. Census. The latest residential project, Clover Meadows Phase 7, is a 54 single-family home subdivision.
Other than that, there are currently only 18 other lots available to develop in the area.
“One thing we really want to focus on is infrastructure,” La May said.
He points out how common it is to read about decaying roads, bridges and water lines on a statewide and national level. The goal is to avoid any potential binds like this in the future.
For instance, the water-treatment plant currently has the capacity to treat 2.5 million gallons per day. A 2017 expansion to the water facility allowed for an additional 1 million gallons in the future, bringing total capacity to 3.5 million gallons a day.
La May said the town anticipates replacing a significant length of antiquated water lines in the next couple of years.
They are also currently advertising a milling and asphalt overlay project on Westview Drive and Palo Verde Drive.
“We also are bidding a seal project for Bayfield Parkway to further extend the life of the roadway,” La May said. The projects are slated for this summer.
The mayor encourages more Bayfield growth and he thinks it will continue to happen with Durango’s high rent.
“Nobody can afford that place anymore,” Salka said, but he recognizes that Bayfield residents have to travel to Durango to work, etc.
“My goal, if I could, is to keep everyone in Bayfield,” Salka said.
The continued growth will help bring new businesses, such as a large grocery store, to the area. While Bayfield has a small grocery store, no major chain will open in town until there are more rooftops.
In the future, La May said the major access points will inform where the town could expand, such as off the east end of Highway 160 where there are more than 140 acres to grow.
In December 2018, the town received approval from the Colorado Department of Transportation to stretch Bayfield Parkway across 160 to the north side to give access to that area.
