The natural and historic character of Ruxton ​Canyon is preserved and protected through ​environmentally sustainable stewardship practices.

mission

To champion and advocate for environmentally ​sustainable stewardship of Ruxton Canyon.

who’s involved

A grassroots collaboration of neighbors, users, and ​businesses who care deeply about maintaining

the natural and peaceful environment in and ​around Ruxton Canyon.

our values & ​principles

Strong consideration is given to maintaining a ​very high quality of life for its residents who ​value the peacefulness and solitude of living in ​a box canyon.

The natural and man-made amenities of the ​Canyon are enjoyed by people from around the ​globe in a respectful and sensitive way.

Policies and management practices are ​developed, implemented and enforced which ​allow the Canyon to maintain its natural & ​historic character as much as possible, with a ​minimum of noise, congestion, and ​environmental degradation.

This vision has been crafted with consideration

of the community-adopted visions related to:

• Built Environment
  
• Community Engagement
  
• Economic Development
  
• Health & Well-Being
  
• Natural Environment
  
• Public Services and
  

Transportation contained in the

2012 Manitou Springs Vision and

Planning Guide.

A private developer is proposing that a road be built ​on the old Midland Railroad corridor connecting to a ​parking lot accessed via Ruxton Ave just before the ​Cog Railway.

traffic

safety

fire protection

Inviting MORE cars, trucks, motorcycles, and RVs, ​plus more housing into the Ruxton canyon/ Manitou ​westside INCREASES congestion potential and does ​NOTHING to address downtown congestion.

A new public road, parking lot, and residential ​development adds MORE fire risk, transient fuel ​loads, and INCREASED demand on ALL evacuation ​routes. Protecting the Wildland Urban Interface

does not mean DESTROYING the wildland with ​development.

local businesses

and attractions

A dedicated road to the COG ROBS other local ​business and attractions of exposure to visitors.

Bypass roads KILL downtowns.

trails & open ​spaces

A new public roadway, parking lot and residential ​development does NOT create more open space.

commercial ​tax revenue

Siphoning visitors off with a dedicated Cog road only ​benefits the Cog. Obstructing progress towards a ​sustainable and thriving Manitou economy by ​advancing obsolete and outdated 1950's suburban, ​car-based access and sprawl is a step BACKWARDS ​that is proven to hurt businesses.

ecology & ​environment

Accommodating more vehicles in town increases air ​and noise pollution, and congestion. Roadway and ​parking lot pavement, storm drainage, utility ​infrastructure DESTROYS wildlife habitats, migration ​routes, natural vegetation, and historic views.

who wins?

The Cog and Norwood Development

Structured satellite parking reduces congestion ​city-wide. More shuttles and multi-modal ​transport options provide a BETTER EXPERIENCE ​for ALL businesses and residents.

All fire mitigation objectives can be achieved ​WITHOUT a new PUBLIC road. Claiming it is ​necessary for Wildland Urban Interface is a ruse.

All businesses and attractions (including the Cog ​and Ruxton trailheads) will benefit from ​DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED ACCESS provided by ​satellite parking, shuttles, and multi-modal ​transportation options.

In partnership with trails and open space ​advocacy organizations and individuals, the ​proposition is to acquire the land for ​PERMANENT PROTECTION as trails and open ​space, habitats and pristine views.

Foot traffic, exposure, and access for ALL ​businesses INCREASE with more efficient shuttle ​and multi-modal transportation. HAPPIER ​visitors and residents occur when parking ​frustration and confusion are eliminated. Thriving ​businesses (including the Cog) equals higher ​sales tax revenue.

Instead of spending huge money to build a new ​road in challenging terrain sacred to indigenous ​peoples, the land should be acquired for ​permanent protection from an environmentally ​destructive development and for PRESERVATION ​as natural open space to be enjoyed by all.

Manitou residents, visitors, all businesses, plants, ​animals pus the Cog and Norwood Development.

news

Local developer planning land donation, new road and parking lot near ​Manitou Incline

Michael Logerwell KRDO

Published July 4, 2024 11:28 AM

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Homeowners living off Ruxton Avenue are ​circulating a petition around a proposed 18-acre land donation and creation of ​a new road and parking lot near the Cog Railway and Manitou Incline.

David Jenkins, founder of Nor'wood Development, sent a letter to the Manitou ​Springs Mayor and City Council proposing a donation of nearly 18 acres of land ​for open space, and a new connecting road to tourist attractions like the Cog ​Railway, Manitou Incline, and Barr Trail.

A portion of the proposed land donation which is closest to Ruxton Ave.

In his letter, Jenkins claims a new road would, "not only alleviate traffic ​congestion on Ruxton Avenue, but also provide an emergency evacuation ​route, enhance public safety, and offer additional open space and trail ​connections for residents and visitors alike."

Jenkins Letter to Manitou Officials

However, several residents living near the proposed development, off Pilot ​Knob Avenue, claim a new road won't actually improve safety and in fact, will ​do the opposite.

"Bringing more cars and roads into a community does not increase safety. It ​reduces it," said Ila Quinn, a Manitou homeowner.

"It's going to impact the neighborhood in ways that I don't particularly look ​forward to," Blair Babcock told KRDO 13 Investigates.

Other neighbors pushed back on the idea that it would reduce traffic and say it ​would only bring more congestion and pollution to their neighborhood.

KRDO 13 Investigates obtained results from a survey commissioned by the ​Jenkins Family pertaining to the land donation and proposed development and ​it shows the Pilot Knob neighbors to be in the minority.

The results show that 238 of the 300 Manitou Springs residents surveyed ​support the donation of public space along with the building of a new access ​road. Also in the survey, 64%, or 191 residents, said the project including ​additional parking would make them more likely to support the donation and ​development.

Some residents aren't swayed. Connie Brachtenbach told KRDO 13 Investigates ​that more parking up near the Cog Railway and Manitou Incline won't solve ​the problems with congestion and parking in Downtown Manitou Springs. "I ​think that would be a better solution. Get people into the city via a shuttle, ​but allow them to get an all-day pass; they can get on and off. They can travel ​all the way within the city limits," Brachtenbach said. "I think it would benefit ​everybody involved." She added those who use a proposed parking lot up at ​the Incline will still have difficulty finding parking where the majority of local ​businesses reside.

The Jenkins Family is set to make a full presentation of their proposed ​donation and development at Manitou Springs City Hall on July 16.

Watch video HERE

contact

RuxtonFriends@gmail.com