A revised vision for construction in Three Springs was approved by the Durango Planning Commission on Monday.
As part of the new comprehensive plan for the neighborhood, two school sites would be combined, one area of open space would be swapped for another, and the design of some neighborhoods would change.
Larger lots are planned for homes that may be built on the hills northwest of the existing neighborhoods.
Even though this housing will be less dense, the developer has promised that the total number of units planned for the subdivision, about 2,000, will remain the same.
To maintain the same density throughout, in this new area, the hills would have to be flattened.
“It’s either we knock them down or we build in context,” said Greg Hoch, director of community development.
The board also approved a shared campus for the elementary and middle schools northeast of existing neighborhoods. The new site will help traffic flow better than the previous plan, which had placed the elementary school in the middle of a neighborhood. Now, Wilson Gulch Road will serve the schools.
A 3-acre parcel south of Mercy Regional Medical Center set aside as wetlands could now become a site open for retail or housing following approval. Three acres adjacent to other open space potentially in the northern part of the site will be set aside to replace the open space.
During the meeting, neighbors raised concerns the Growth Fund’s Real Estate Group has not built an alternative road to serve Palo Verde, the neighboring subdivision. The developer is required to build this road as part of its development agreement with the city.
The current intersection between County Road 233 and Three Springs Boulevard to enter Palo Verde is dangerous, some neighbors argued.
“The fact is the traffic is beginning to increase substantially coming from Bayfield, coming from Durango,” said Nina Paige, a resident.
Frederick Ochsner told commissioners his children were in a car that was hit broadside in the intersection.
However, the developer does not have a timeline to finish the alternative road that would connect to Oso Grande Drive and Wilson Gulch Drive.
“It will happen when the time is right, have patience,” said Geoff Hickcox a commissioner.
Officials with Three Springs also promised to work with Palo Verde residents on a resolution.
The Durango City Council will consider the comprehensive plan changes next.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
