Thank you for the article headlined, “When will the hole downtown be filled?” The project to build a modular-style five-story hotel downtown is a major mistake and it is time for The Durango Herald to do some serious investigative journalism.

The original permit was approved in 2014 by the City Council by a margin of only one vote. The hole was permitted in 2018 and nothing has happened since. City Councilor Olivier Bosmans is correct that the project “has been an eyesore for our community.” Lamont Companies has had financial problems, including legal issues with its contractors. Now the city wants a letter of credit from the developer. What a mess!

Are these types of modular hotels built elsewhere? Are the components snapped together like Lego pieces? If the structure fails, will the City of Durango be sued for issuing the permit? Where is a photo by The Durango Herald showing that the town’s fire trucks can reach five-stories high?

Nothing about this project fits Durango. Rescind the building permit and start over with plans for a suitable structure that complements our low-profile historic downtown.

Andrew Gulliford

Durango