I would like to express some practical concerns regarding the inclusion of accessory dwelling units in the proposed new Land Use Development Code. Whether the goals be egalitarianism, utopianism, environmentalism, the desire to increase business downtown, affordable housing, population density or simply to increase cash flow for landlords, I believe these goals should be clearly defined and the solutions be empirically proven to be effective. Goals should have broad support and consensus based on both merit and the likelihood of achievable results.
The ADU proposal should be carefully considered with regards to the benefits and adverse consequences of implementation. Any goals should be accomplished in the most effective and non-destructive way. If the ADU proposal in its current form is implemented, it, in effect, changes the zoning of many of our downtown neighborhoods, encouraging multifamily and multi-unit rental properties. It creates a shadow subdivision that could consist of several hundred units. The impact of this shadow subdivision will affect everything from infrastructure to parking to safety to quality of life. As many as 700 more cars, 500 dwellings and 1,000 more people living on the alleys of established neighborhoods all have serious impact on infrastructure and livability. I believe the ADU proposal would permanently alter the character and balance of the neighborhood to the detriment of all.
What we do know is that implementation will result in more people, more crowding, less privacy, more cars and neighborhoods less desirable to most single-family homeowners. Conversely, we simply do not know what benefits will be obtained, and what the consequences intended or unintended will be on the long-term health of the city and its neighborhoods. I believe everyone should be aware of the benefits and consequences of ADUs and their undesirable effects be carefully weighed. A discussion about the long-term goals for the downtown neighborhoods needs to be held with serious consideration given to those most adversely affected by implementation – namely, single-family homeowners. A concerned resident meeting regarding ADUs will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Durango Community Recreation Center.
Lee Evans
Durango
