The Durango Business Improvement District has been involved in conversations about Downtown’s Next Step for over two years. It is BID’s job to evaluate the pros and cons for anything and everything related to Downtown.
BID worked closely with the city of Durango and other economic development organizations as COVID-19 hit Durango in late March 2020. One outcome of that work was the bump-out program, which was a lifeline for many long-standing businesses in Downtown and added vibrancy with the new outdoor space. Even so, the program was not perfect. In early 2022, BID asked the city how the new outdoor space for businesses could be made permanent by addressing the shortcomings and keeping what was working. That request led to what is today known as the Downtown’s Next Step project.
BID was heavily involved in the visioning process as Downtown’s Next Step began. That heavy involvement continued for the past two years, which resulted in a concept for Main Avenue through Downtown. That concept has been taken to the next level for two blocks in Downtown, the 600 and 700 blocks of Main Avenue, in what are called 30% design drawings. These drawings now contain more details on what would change, which allowed BID and its Downtown businesses to evaluate the plan.
Downtown’s Next Step would add three to five feet of new sidewalk space, creating a better pedestrian experience Downtown in the busy summer months. Widened sidewalks allow more businesses to create bistro tables, like those at El Moro and Seasons. It would also add bulb-outs at most intersections, creating a safer crossing of Main Avenue, especially at the unsignalized intersections at Seventh and 10th Streets. Some of the intersection bulb-outs would continue farther along the block, creating new public space where trash, recycling, magazine and bicycle racks could be consolidated. This new space would also allow for permanent flower planters and public art, and maybe even bring some of the benches back.
The city proposed combining Downtown’s Next Step with another project that would replace the primary water line and repave Main Avenue, both of which are desperately needed.
To create this new space, there is a reduction in the number of parking spaces. In the plans, parking spaces are lengthened from the current 20 feet to 22 feet, which allows for larger vehicles to fit in one space. Two ADA spaces are also proposed to be added to a block. But overall, there would be a reduction in the number of spaces on Main Avenue.
There are also concerns about reducing the width of the travel and center lanes, how loading zones function, how the largest delivery and emergency vehicles could navigate turning movements with the intersection bulb-outs, and perhaps most important, how this project could impact the historic charm, look and feel of our wonderful Downtown.
In BID’s opinion, the risks currently outweigh the benefits. The BID board of directors issued a position statement last week saying BID is not in favor of Downtown’s Next Step in its current form. This position statement was sent to city elected officials and key staff members.
I am happy to meet or talk with anyone about Downtown’s Next Step and BID’s position. Call me at 375-5068.
Tim Walsworth is executive director of Durango Business Improvement District. reach him at timw@downtowndurango.org or 375-5068.
