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Public meeting about new fire station needed

The fire department’s plan to use the old high school and arts and science building is a “no brainer” a recent letter writer to the Herald expressed. I’d like to respectfully disagree with that opinion.

Instead of expanding the current and central location with all infrastructure in place, with 100% public support, the proposed fire department move will disrupt one of the most historic locations and neighborhoods in Durango.

No brains required to house giant fire trucks behind the Hood Mortuary let alone navigate the small streets associated? Not much brains are required to understand it likely means an end to the use of Buckley Park like we have known it. The disruption to those who live and work on those streets and loss of parking? Not much thinking required there.

Who will pay for the infrastructure changes and inevitable conflicts created by this new use? I know, “no brainer.” Is it a “no brainer” that the fire department can’t explain how they will justify the huge public expense required to renovate the old high school building?

A public meeting and conversation prior to this use of our tax dollars is what I call a “no brainer.”

I have high regard for all the folks associated with the Durango Fire Protection District, I believe the choice may have been made out of frustration with the former city manager and his unwillingness to assist them in procuring the River City Hall property.

Jim Sims

Durango