Durango Invites Community Comment on Downtown’s “Next Step”

The City of Durango seeks community comments on the downtown’s Next Step project. The Southwest Safehouse celebrates 40 years of providing a safe shelter to domestic violence victims, and the Southern Ute Behavioral Health is calling upon youth artists to have their artwork featured in a mural in Ignacio. You are watching the Local News Roundup brought to you by The Payroll Department and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q. I’m Sadie Smith. The city of Durango wants to know what you think about downtown’s Next Step proposal. The Next Step project will redesign Main Avenue to increase outdoor space, expand pedestrian zones and slow traffic. According to city reports, the project is 30% complete and is expected to be finished by the end of the year. The city will collect comments from various constituents during four meetings scheduled in June. The first meeting on June 4th sought comments from business owners. Additional opportunities to comment include a meeting for business employees on June 10th. A meeting for residents on June 16th, and an accessibility meeting on June 23rd. The city plans to present a summary during the July Engage Durango Forum. The project has been somewhat of a diverse topic between those who welcome the proposed changes and those who are concerned they’ll limit parking and access to downtown businesses, and others have expressed concern that the project will change downtown’s historic character. To keep up with downtown’s next step, visit the City of Durango website. The Southwest Safehouse will celebrate its 40th anniversary. Join the celebration on Friday, June 27th at the Four Leaves Winery on Main Avenue at 5 p.m.. The Southwest Safehouse has protected victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes by providing support services for people who are recovering from the trauma of domestic violence. Its services include domestic violence, shelter for housing, employment services and covering basic needs such as showers, clothes, meals and laundry facilities, among other aid. This event not only recognizes 40 years of past achievements, but is a call to action for continued support and awareness. Purchase your ticket today. All proceeds go towards continued support of the community’s vulnerable population. Calling all Southern Ute youth artists, the Southern Ute Department of Behavioral Health seeks original artwork following the theme of heritage and belonging. The winner of the contest will have his or her artwork featured in a new mural at the Ignacio Skate Park. All artwork must be submitted by June 15th to be considered. Email artwork to tturner@southernute-nsn.gov or drop it off at the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Office in Durango. For more information, call Precious Collins, the Native Connections Program Coordinator, at 970-563-2487. Learn more about downtown’s Next Steps project, the Southwest Safehouse anniversary, and the Artist Mural Project in Ignacio by logging in to our website at durangolocal.news, and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on all our stories. Thank you for watching this edition of the Local News Roundup. I’m Sadie Smith.