The city of Durango is taking a new approach to the development of a city-owned lot near the Durango Public Library – and to residents of the neighborhood who are wary of the plans.
Residents criticized the city in 2024 over a proposal to develop two separate lots because, they said, they were not given a fair opportunity to weigh in. The city paused development of the lot now in question.
East Third Avenue residents say they are energized about future development of the city-owned property – a tract currently occupied by Tri-County Head Start, which is moving to a new location across the street in August – but they have reservations about how forthcoming the city is with its plans for the property.
The residents, who formed a Library Neighborhood Association, were invited to a City Council study session in April where the lot was discussed.
Resident Emmy Finley said in an interview the lot needs to be used optimally, and she questioned whether housing or another use is the best fit.
She said the neighborhood is not opposed to housing or childcare on the property, but if housing is pursued, it should be 100% affordable – not some units being priced affordably and others being at or above market rates.
Resident Bill LeMaire said the neighborhood around Durango Public Library is an “educational center” and new developments should contribute to that character.
Affordable housing is great, Finley said, but it’s limited. Residents are asking the city to “dream a little” and consider other options.
At a study session, Councilor Jessika Loyer stressed the importance of involving the library neighborhood in any talks about what to do with the tract.
“Being specific and clear is super important,” she said.
In an interview, she said City Council has not decided what to pursue for the property – but it does have a strategic plan and housing is a priority.
She said there needs to be parameters around community conversations and the city needs to be clear about what options are on the table.
The allowable uses for the tract, at a glance, include housing, childcare and office space – a comprehensive list of uses was provided at the study session.
Loyer said a housing development with 100% affordable units just isn’t practical unless the city gets a grant or residents fund the development – developers need an incentive to produce below market-rate units.
“The city is not a developer,” she said. “... If developers are coming in and they’re risking their neck and they’re putting all the money on the line ... we can provide incentives for them to hopefully give us more.”
Finley said the Library Neighborhood Association wrote a letter to City Council prior to the study session expressing its concerns, goals and dreams for the property. The primary point was a request for community involvement.
She said the tract is in a pretty remarkable location and a cultural hub with the library, botanic gardens, Head Start, St. Columba and the river trail all in close proximity.
The association is concerned about whether that unique parcel of land is best suited with affordable housing. Affordable housing is great, but it’s limited, she said.
“The lot in question is so unique, it’s worth it to get the community really involved to determine the best benefit for the entire community,” she said.
The city has a long way to go before the tract in question is developed, and councilors were adamant about including the neighborhood in future discussions before decisions are made.
Brian Devine, city housing policy and planning administrator, said the city staff’s recommendation is to issue a request for qualifications after holding community meetings to determine the best use of the tract.
“We believe the city should prioritize outcomes that align with the strategic plan, and there are a lot of uses on that PD agreement that align with both innovative housing and economic development as well as safety and quality of life,” he said at the study session. “We think the proposals should serve the surrounding neighborhood and identified, documented community needs.”
cburney@durangoherald.com
