Better write up than mine on Keystone Canyon development...includes contacts!

Keystone Canyon Trailhead Threatened by Apartment Development

For Immediate Distribution and Action

Trail users and neighbors were surprised to learn about plans for a major apartment complex adjacent to the Keystone Canyon trailhead.  The 200 unit complex slated for construction in summer 2013 will permanently change the character the area’s most popular public outdoor recreation area.  There has been little public notice.  If you use this area, attend a public meeting this Thursday April 18 at 6 pm at the Mc Queen Fire Station, 7105 Mae Anne Ave and submit written comments to the officials listed below.

The Poedunks, Washoe County Parks, the Forest Service and neighbors have worked for 12 years to make this trailhead what it is today yet there has been no effort on the part of the developer of City planners to reach out to groups involved.  Major concerns include:

·         Adequate buffer of open space/native vegetation—there is no buffer to the west.  Washoe County park planner recommends 30 foot natural open space buffer between the trailhead and development.  The City proposes places a 20 foot wall, aka graffiti magnet, between the development and parking area with no buffer. This radically changes the character of the existing trailhead.

·         Adequate public parking and access—this is the area’s most popular public outdoor recreation area.  The small existing parking lot will become overflow parking for the development preventing public access. 

·         Erosion control—erosion and drainage issues in this particular location could significantly impact the integrity of the trail and trailhead.

·         Traffic flow in and out of the area—the McCarran interchange in this area is notoriously hazardous and used by pedestrians, bicycles, and motorist to access the trailhead.  There have been no safeguards put in place to ensure safe pedestrian and bicycle crossing to the trailhead.  Increased vehicle traffic in the area will make this even more hazardous.

Action Needed:

·         Attend meeting, speak at public comment requesting more public input on the above issues.  Thursday April 18 6 pm, Mc Queen Fire Station, 7105 Mae Anne Ave. Bring comments in writing.

·         Submit your written comments to

Vern Kloos, Reno City Senior Planner, kloosv@reno.gov

Claudia Hanson, Reno City Planning and Engineer Manager, hansonc@reno.gov

Neoma Jardon, Ward 5 Council Person, jardonn@reno.gov

Barbara Di Cianno, Community Liaison, diciannob@reno.gov

Fred Turnier, Reno City Director of Community Development, turnierf@reno.gov

·         Call Planning Commission members

Dennis Romeo, Chair........................... 326-8863  Jason Woosley, Vice Chair .................. 326-8862

Doug D. Coffman................................. 326-8864   Kimberly Laack............................. 326-8858

Paul Olivas .................................... 326-8861         Dagny Stapleton ............................ 326-8860

Kevin Weiske ................................ 326-8859

 See Map Below: