By design, the city of Durango has developed in a linear fashion along the Animas River corridor with commercial activities allowed adjacent to the Main Avenue/Camino del Rio roadway. The areas on either side of these arteries are residential neighborhoods that are very fragile and easily overrun by commercial activity. The residential neighborhoods need protection from commercial activities to preserve our residential quality of life, and I urge the city to respect the residential character of these neighborhoods by not expanding the 500-foot limitation.

Another thing that is clear to me is that the city’s present system of enforcement – that of having neighbors rat on neighbors – is not only ineffective, but it increases the animosity we now have for city officials charged with responsibility of effective regulation. It is deplorable! I’ve been very clear in recommending that revoking a certificate of occupancy is an effective deterrent for violations, and I’m at a loss to understand the reluctance of city officials to use this tool when it is so effective.

James Glass

Durango