The City of Durango seems intent on killing the gold-laying goose with its plans to “redevelop” downtown into a suburban California shopping mall. Do these folks not realize why tourists fall in love with Durango? For the same reason I love it: the beautiful historic downtown.
The authentic 19th century Victorian architecture of Main Avenue reminds people of towns they grew up in. Or more likely, towns they wish they grew up in. It is perfect just the way it was originally developed.
Face it, the folks at the Denver and Rio Grande had far more experience and knowledge about town planning and engineering than anyone currently employed or contracted by the city. They knew how to plan and develop a beautiful town.
Leave downtown as these far-sighted folks left it to us 144 years ago. As a genuine downtown. Not some faux Disney-esque tourist trap.
Michael Black
Durango
