The city of Durango will provide an update next week on its proposal to revamp downtown with wider sidewalks, curb extensions at intersections and additional landscaping, among other changes.
Transportation Director Sarah Hill said city staff members have “pounded the pavement” soliciting feedback from residents and downtown businesses about Downtown’s Next Step project.
Durango Multimodal Manager Devin King said the city has worked closely with downtown businesses over the past two years, which has required compromises.
“We are excited to show the work that has been completed and hear about how the design can be further improved to further meet the needs of the community,” he said.
The public meeting on Thursday will give residents background information about the project and give residents a chance to provide feedback about the preliminary design for the 600 and 700 blocks of Main Avenue.
The city has reached 30% completion in design plans for the project, which means an overall layout of the design is available, including turning radiuses for bulb-outs on street corners, Hill said.
In the past, residents have expressed concerns about the ability for fire trucks and delivery vehicles to turn at intersections if Main Avenue is redesigned with wider sidewalks and bulb-out sidewalk corners.
Hill said some engineering feasibility has been explored, but more engineering work is needed to take a comprehensive look at what lies beneath the asphalt.
According to a city news release, work over the past year has consisted of surveying and site analysis, as well as focusing on the utility of the full downtown corridor. Other work has included studying truck turning movements, delivery operations, street maintenance and an accessibility assessment.
City staff members have talked with business owners about their operational needs. Many business owners have expressed concern about how tearing up and relaying Main Avenue would affect access to their businesses and general operations.
The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the FLC Innovation Center at 835 Main Ave., Suite 225, on the second floor of the Main Mall. Spanish interpretation and child care will be provided at the meeting.
The meeting will also be streamed and available to watch via Zoom at DurangoGov. Zoom. US.
cburney@durangoherald.com
