A new, 22-space manufactured home and tiny home park in the Animas Valley was approved Thursday by the La Plata County Planning Commission.

According to county records, the 22 homes would be located on a nearly 7-acre property that has six existing homes. It would be located at 7922 County Road 203, which borders the commercial development that includes Hermosa Grill and gas station.

Christopher Hall, who owns and lives on the property, said the mix of manufactured units and tiny homes would provide affordable housing for the community.

“It is a difficult place to be able to afford housing here,” he said. “We’re really looking forward to this development.”

Several nearby landowners spoke during public comment Thursday, expressing concern with the density of the project, as well as issues surrounding traffic, water and buffers from adjacent properties.

Several residents also pointed out that when Hall originally proposed the project, it called for just six homes, and they said he misrepresented the development that now calls for 22 homes.

Hall, for his part, said the original proposal would not have been financially feasible given the high cost of installing infrastructure, making it necessary to increase the number of homes on the property.

Paula Berg, who lives near the project and is owner of Oscar’s Café, said the new homes will help provide affordable housing.

“I think it’s really basic we need to supply this,” she said.

The project was unanimously approved by the Planning Commission.

“This county does need reasonably priced housing,” said Commissioner Mike Scieszka.

jromeo@durangoherald.com