As the new Head Start nears completion, the question is how Lot F, the site of the old Head Start, will be used. This is a city-owned lot, and there is a proposal for 22 housing units, with only four designated as workforce housing. While I fully support workforce housing, four of 22 units hardly seems like the best use of this property.
To begin with, it is a small area for 22 units, not to mention the parking needed to accommodate that many residences. The density of the proposed project would create a significant amount of traffic in an otherwise historic neighborhood that serves the Durango Public Library, the Botanic Gardens, St. Columba Church and School, and the new Head Start.
There are also 47 trees on the property, the majority of which would be removed.
While workforce housing is much needed in our community, there is also an incredible lack of child care. The new Head Start will add only eight to 10 new spaces for children. I believe a better use of Lot F would be an additional child care facility.
This is not just a neighborhood issue. This city-owned property could benefit the entire community instead of private interests.
Carrie Allen
Durango
