I am a 14 year resident of Durango. I care a great deal about the quality of our schools. Recently, there was an article in The Durango Herald regarding a young teacher at Durango High School who can only stay in Durango at present because of a fortunate low rental cost from his apartment owner. He cannot see a future in Durango because of the cost of real estate.
I suggest that the 9-R Administration Building be transformed into affordable rental or purchase units for school teachers and other school staff. The first floor could be used for small businesses, which add cultural richness to our community similar to the Smiley Building
The cost of development could be covered in part by COVID-19 relief money available to our community for projects, such as affordable housing. This is a win/win solution to lack of affordable housing in Durango and creative support of our schools.
Susan C. Ristow
Durango
