Readers of The Durango Herald are fired up and divided. And we’re not talking about national politics. We’re talking about something that tugs at the soul of Durango, and has us reflecting on the roots and style in our Western city.
Bump-outs.
Love them or hate them, bump-outs are our new signal of springtime right along with Daylight Saving Time, green shoots pushing up through dirt and welcome warm days.
Let’s take a deep dive here.
What makes bump-outs delightful? More space to eat, drink or buy rugs under blue skies. They offer front-row seats to watch semis unload in the middle-turn lane. Bump-outs feel like little stages - someone might break out into song.
What makes bump-outs a pain? Fewer parking spaces. Sitting next to a vehicle belching exhaust. Eating a meal with traffic whizzing by, sending napkins into the air and leaving us to question our choice to sit there.
Bump-outs inspired readers to take a stand and comment:
“This will definitely cut down on the already limited parking areas.”
And . . .
“Love the bump-outs!”
And . . .
“While the bump-outs are certainly appealing to the businesses downtown, I question the legality of them setting up on public property to enhance revenue.”
And . . .
“Another step in the direction of ruining what made Durango a unique Western town.”
And . . .
“We love the bump-outs! Thanks, Durango!”
See our Facebook page for more comments, https://www.facebook.com/TheDurangoHerald/.
One letter-writer made the following bump-out analogy: “It’s like agreeing to host a family reunion for your in-laws . . . to now realizing your-not-so favorite in-laws are coming to your house every year and you’re left wondering, how did that happen?”
Bump-out enthusiast Jack Llewellyn, executive director of the Durango Chamber of Commerce, said: “Many business owners have said without the bump-outs, they would not still be in business and hope they will continue to be allowed in the central business district."
Bump-outs beg the larger question: Who are they for exactly? Tourists or locals?
Our feelings mirror our readers’ - we are split. We agree that if we must live with bump-outs, we hope builders will bring some eclectic style or whimsy to their spaces. Some game.
