The San Juan County Planning Commission on Tuesday recommended approval of a 166-unit RV Park near Purgatory Resort, with a condition the developer work with the Durango Nordic Center to help preserve terrain.

According to San Juan County administrator Willy Tookey, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to send a recommendation of approval to San Juan County commissioners, who will make a final decision April 13.

The vote for a final decision was slated for April 12, but was moved to 8:30 a.m. April 13 because of a scheduling conflict, Tookey said. The public will have an opportunity to comment on the proposal.

The Planning Commission also recommended a condition that the developer build three sites to demonstrate the products the project will offer, Tookey said.

The Hearthside Luxury Motorcoach Resort calls for a high-end RV community on 54-acres along U.S. Highway 550, across from Cascade Village. Michigan-based Hearthside Grove recently purchased the property from longtime owners, Durango Mountain Holdings.

Since details were announced last fall, the project has drawn criticism that it would wipe out nearly one-third of the Durango Nordic Center’s trail system, as well as impact the lush view of pine and aspen forest.

Officials with the Nordic Center said attempts to collaborate on integrating a trail network into the RV Park project were turned down by the developer.

Craig Rose, a representative for Hearthside Grove, said the company is pleased with the outcome of Tuesday’s vote.

“We appreciate the opportunity to speak with the Nordic Center in the coming weeks,” he said.

The developers have maintained the 166-unit project would blend with the landscape. They hope to begin construction this summer and complete it by spring 2018.

This article has been updated to correct number of RV units.

jromeo@durangoherald.com

Poll: Do you support a plan to build a 166-unit RV park near Purgatory Resort?

Yes - 806 - 38.42%

No - 1292 - 61.58%