According to yet another survey dropped off at my home: “The Third Avenue Boulevard Association and representatives from East Fourth Avenue are actively pursuing a plan for residential permitted parking on East Third and East Fourth in order to reduce congestion.” If a plan is implemented, unless you live on these two streets, you will not be allowed to park there.
I am adamantly opposed to residential parking permits in our historic core. Durango has a parking problem, but this effort will only push the problem to another street. I am a 33-year resident of Durango, with 10 years in the 1100 block of East Third and 15 years in the 700 block of East Fourth. I am grateful to own a house and a car – period. Living in the historic district is an added bonus.
The people who park in front of my house comprise our workforce. The Colorado State University cycling team parks out front during the collegiate criterium, and I invite them to use my bathroom to clean up and change clothes. Parades and events bring cars to my street. If permits were enacted, the food-service employees who work until 2 a.m. would now find themselves walking to East Fifth Avenue.
Visitors to Durango would see “resident-only permits” within two blocks of the Durango Welcome Center. Many neighborhoods in Durango absorb parking. The city of Durango, La Plata County government and the Business Improvement District need to offer incentives to their respective workforces for parking in the existing permit lots. And we need a large-capacity parking facility.
Amber Blake, the multi-modal administrator for the city of Durango, needs your feedback. She is not a proponent or opponent, but it is her job to facilitate the request for a residential permitted parking plan. Let her know if this plan would impact your business, your experience in visiting downtown and, most importantly, your safety as an employee working late-night hours. Call 375-4949 or email BlakeAK@ci.durango.co.us.
Beth Lamberson Warren
Durango
