City Planner Greg Hoch explained his department’s stance on River Trails Ranch, saying its development has been imminent for decades. /Photo by Todd Newcomer.

City Planner Greg Hoch casually leafs through a series of large maps and plats dating to 1958 and at each pass points out the large acreage immediately north of Durango.

“I think for many people facts are just clutter that get in their way,” Hoch said. “The simple fact of the matter is, this property has been included on city of Durango comprehensive plan maps since 1958.”

For Hoch, the unavoidable fact is that the 245 acres immediately north of Durango have long been considered an appropriate place for expansion. Initially, low-density development was proposed for the property then known as the Kroeger Ranch. At various points since, as many as 1,243 dwelling units have been proposed for the property now known as River Trails Ranch.

With this in mind, he denies charges that the Planning Department has not only been in favor of the development but in the pocket of the developer hoping to put 800 new units on the property.

“I think what’s hard for people who oppose this project to understand is that the city, out of necessity, has had to address the potential of a large development project on this property for essentially the last 25 years,” Hoch said.

He added: “I’ve heard more than a few criticisms on the city staff’s position on this property including accusations that we are in cahoots with the developer. All we are doing is treating a project consistent with the city’s adopted plans and policies.”

The city’s policies once included plans to buy a chunk of the ranch. Hoch noted that people should be aware that the city has explored options other than development for the Animas Valley acreage. “At one point in the mid-90s, the city did attempt to buy a portion of the property for a major park with outdoor lighted ball fields, but ultimately those negotiations fell apart,” he said.

As consideration of plans to develop River Trails Ranch moves forward, Hoch encourages people to respect the forum and discourse and not throw stones. “For me, the challenge isn’t so much defending a position because I don’t make those decisions,” he said. “To me, the challenge is how to create an atmosphere and forum that is civil, open, fair and democratic.”

Hoch closed by saying that in his mind, the style of development proposed for River Trails Ranch is most appropriate for Durango. However, he also noted that even though it is on the books, River Trails Ranch is not inevitable.

“If people don’t want to see this project, they should convince their appointed officials to change the city’s plans and policies,” Hoch said.

The city’s review of River Trails Ranch begins this Monday, April 7, in Durango City Council Chambers at 7 p.m. This first meeting will be a formal presentation of the plan by the applicant and a statement by city staff of the project’s background. The following evening public comment will be taken all night beginning at 7 p.m.

“We’re going to spread review of this proposal out. We don’t want to give anyone the impression that we’re trying to rush this through,” Hoch said. “On the contrary, the developer complains that we’ve had this too long and haven’t acted.”