I just heard that the city planners are planning yet another two hotels in downtown. That is very poor planning.
We do not need more hotels. They have already built many recently – La Quinta, Fairfield, Holiday Inn, Homewood Suites, etc. That does not include all the ones we already have here. The last thing Durango needs is another hotel.
I noticed the planners said for locals to voice their complaints so they can “prioritize” which direction to go. I am asking if you too don’t want to see yet another two hotels built in an already cramped downtown, please voice your complaints to the city planners.
How about instead of the massive hotel monster they have planned, put a large, several-story parking garage but designed to look like a vintage Victorian building? Then people could actually have a place to park and walk in downtown instead of having to spend 30 minutes, during the busy hours, to find a place to park?
How about inexpensive condos so people who can’t afford housing can buy a condo instead of working three jobs to rent a place?
How about some stores that locals can use to buy low-cost food or low-cost goods?
The city planners need to realize the economy could tank any day. Who knows who is going to be elected for president and what that brings?
We need stability instead of putting everything in one tourist basket. Diversity is the best way to ward off future downturns.
Also, do locals want to see more and more and more tourists? I know we need some for the local economy, but I mean to override our beautiful city with tons of tourists is something I would loathe. It is already beginning to feel like Disney World.
So please, city planners, no more hotels.
John Hunt
Durango
