The biggest mistake in Durango’s recent history took place Tuesday. The 9-R School Board voted unanimously to sell the Administration Building to the Durango Fire District.
The decision is short-sighted and must be challenged. It is entirely at odds with the March 2021 Durango Renewal Partnership’s vision for our Midtown of, “A flourishing community comprised of diverse, attractive and thriving hubs of activity shaped by public-private partnerships.”
A fire station there would impede any possibility of achieving the plan’s priorities: housing; mixed-use, walkable development; job creation and support of local industry; local partnerships; arts and culture; and transportation enhancements.
Visit the Smiley Building (smileybuilding.com) to see what the Shaws have done and proposed to do creating an expanded Smiley campus encompassing a redevelopment of the Administration Building and future tram connection to FLC.
The proposal is a perfect example of the DRP’s mission realized: “To facilitate reinvestment in underutilized areas to address community priorities and create thriving places.” The fire department occupying this historic site in a residential neighborhood is not.
Yes, it is a vital public service and needs a new home, but why not a new facility at their current location? What other public purpose is intended for this site?
And where has the city been in this deliberation that uses $5 million annually in City Council appropriated public funding? The 9-R building could house and provide office space for public employees, local businesses, address community priorities and create thriving places the DRP envisions. Where is the vision and leadership?
Ellen Stein
Durango
