Keystone, a recently incorporated town, is actively shaping its future through the meticulous drafting of its inaugural comprehensive plan. This pivotal initiative aims to establish a clear roadmap for development and growth, ensuring the town’s evolution aligns with community aspirations and long-term sustainability goals.
Such comprehensive plans serve as foundational regulatory and policy documents, crucial for guiding nascent towns like Keystone. As articulated by Dillon McBride of SE Group, the consultant firm assisting with the project, these plans are instrumental in envisioning future directions and directing policies toward responsible growth and development over the next 10 to 15 years.
The groundwork for this extensive undertaking began with a collaboration between Keystone officials and students from the University of Colorado. This initial phase focused on understanding the town’s unique position within the broader recreational economy and solidifying its distinct identity before partnering with SE Group to formulate the detailed plan.
One critical area the comprehensive plan directly addresses is the long-standing safety concerns surrounding the intersection of Rasor Drive and Highway 6. This problematic juncture, known for high traffic volumes entering and exiting the resort area, will see targeted improvements aimed at enhancing safety and traffic flow for residents and visitors alike.
Further emphasizing community well-being, the consulting group has significantly focused on the continued investment in parks, trails, and open spaces. Despite Keystone’s abundant outdoor recreational opportunities on Forest Service land, the town recognizes a deficit in community-serving park areas, prompting efforts to improve and enhance public playgrounds and recreational pathways.
The housing situation in Keystone is another vital component of the comprehensive plan, with SE Group conducting a thorough housing-needs assessment. Initial findings highlight a prevalence of deed-restricted housing while revealing limited options for individuals not employed by Vail Resorts, a key challenge the plan seeks to mitigate.
Throughout the drafting process, robust public engagement has been a cornerstone, with Keystone and SE Group hosting multiple community meetings. These forums have provided residents with crucial opportunities to voice their priorities, consistently emphasizing the desire to preserve Keystone’s intrinsic connection to the natural environment, where wildlife sightings are commonplace.
Community feedback has also underscored persistent concerns regarding transportation infrastructure and the critical need for more year-round, community-serving businesses. Residents frequently rely on neighboring towns like Dillon and Silverthorne for essential services, a dependency the comprehensive plan aims to reduce by fostering local economic vitality.
Looking ahead, Keystone and SE Group are committed to continued public dialogue, with further engagement events planned, including a presence at the upcoming Keystone Bluegrass and Beer Festival. These ongoing discussions are vital before a rough draft of the comprehensive plan is presented in late September to early October.
