Durango, CO: Durango City Council kicked off 2023 by moving forward with a conceptual design that could bring nearly 200 new residential units to Durango, reviewing recreation goals for 2023 with representatives of Durango Mesa Park and Durango Trails, and deciding to enter negotiations for an interim city attorney.
At the regular meeting:
- The Mercury Village development – next to the former Mercury Payment Systems building adjacent to the Durango Mall – took a step forward Tuesday with councilors approving a preliminary minor subdivision to allow for potential mixed-use, health care, and residential uses on the property to accommodate the developer’s conceptual plan. This is the first step in three parts plan the developer must go through.
“We’re just seeing if conceptually this is a buildable lot,” said Planner Savannah Lytle. “We want to see if it meets the comprehensive plan and the strategic plan, so it’s just very high level at this point.”
Concepts behind the piece of the property preliminarily subdivided for residential use could see three new residential buildings with a potential for 199 units.
“At this point because this is a conceptual plan, we don’t know whether those will be rental or owner occupied, but this provides use lots of opportunity to have discussions about opportunities for workforce housing,” Lytle told councilors.
- After reviewing three candidates for an interim city attorney, council made the decision to enter negotiations with William Tuthill of WAT Legal.
Tuthill brings years of experience in Colorado to the interim role, including working as the primary litigator and county attorney for Jefferson County for 15 years, 13 years as the city and county attorney for Broomfield, and most recently serving an interim role as city attorney for the city of Thornton.
“I’m pleased with the candidates and will be supporting Mr. Tuthill and I look forward to a positive negotiation,” said Mayor Barbara Noseworthy.
During the study session:
- Council heard from the Durango Mesa Park foundation and city staff about plans for the park in 2023 including emergency access construction, a completed bike park master plan, and determine cost updates for roadways and utilities. More information on the Durango Mesa Park plan can be found on the city's website along with other current projects.
- Councilors met with contractor Willdan Financial Services. The contractor presented several water rate structures for council to consider while the upcoming survey is conducted, and ideal rate structures for Durango can be narrowed down. Some of the suggestions included budget-based water rates based on either average winter consumption or persons per household, seasonal rates, and conservation-oriented rate structures among others. To view the presentation on the upcoming water rate study please view the bottom of the water charges page on the city's website.
There was an internet connection issue during the city council study session on Tuesday afternoon that caused the city’s Zoom meeting and YouTube live stream to end halfway through the meeting. However, a full audio recording is available on the city’s website, and can be found alongside recent public meeting agendas. _______________________________________________________________
Media Contact
Tom Sluis
Director, Media and Community Engagement
Phone: (970) 375-5090
Email: Tom.Sluis@durangogov.org
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