2nd Submittal – Durango Village Camp Narrative
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Durango Village Camp Narrative
Durango_Village_Camp_Project_Narrative_1_24_2025
This resubmittal continues to disregard the Land Use Code in terms of “maintaining the character” of this District. Both density and the residential/ agricultural character of the Animas Valley would be irrevocably changed if the La Plata County Commissioners approve this project. Residents need to make their voices heard by the Commissioners if this inappropriate project is to be stopped.
The developer of Durango Village Camp has certainly done a beautiful job in their narrative of how their project is compatible with the neighborhoods surrounding Dalton Ranch and how it will be of significant benefit to local businesses. But they know very well that a project of 9 units per acre doesn’t share anything close to the “character” of the neighborhoods within a mile radius of Dalton Ranch.
In addition, evacuation in case of a fire similar to the one in 2002 would create a serious bottleneck on 252. A forest fire would likely occur in the summer which would be peak season for the RV park. This would put potentially a few hundred extra cars & RVs trying to evacuate at the same time as those from North, South, West Dalton Ranch & Trimble Crossing.
The RV Park is designated as low intensity within the park itself. This may be. However, the low intensity of up to 275 RV’s and 275 cars, and hundreds of more people has impact on the immediate as well as surrounding area. The economic impact can be measured in profit to the owner and income to the surrounding community. Yet, it is not only about money. The impact is felt by increased crowding on highways, in the town and area surrounding the park detracting from the the character of the north valley. The impact goes beyond the area near the park into the recreational area beyond the park by increasing the number of people recreating in our area. Crowding and increased trash on local popular trails. Increased use of local services like veterinarians, medical, safety, restaurants. The positives of income and profit are offset by deteriorating the quality of life.
This re-submittal disregards important aspects of the Land Use Code. Adding 275 RVs plus vacation housing is not compatible with the existing character of the valley. The additional traffic cannot be sustained on CR252 or CR250. It will lead to bottlenecks and bicycle deaths. The water and sewer systems are not equipped to handle this increase in population. Some of the housing is permanent which is not allowed by the Land Use Code.
The plan downplays and even ignores the logistical problems that a development of this size entails, but those issues are not fixable and the project will be a disaster for the area.