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WCSD releases due diligence report for proposed Wildcreek High School


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The Washoe County School District and outside engineer consultant Wood Rodgers revealed its due diligence report on the Wildcreek Golf Course to determine if the location could be suitable for the new high school.

The report concludes that building a 75-acre high school on the 212-acre Wildcreek Golf Course is feasible.

The controversial Wildcreek High School project has faced criticism in the past from nearby neighbors.

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TRAFFIC

The traffic analysis stated that the proposed school could accommodate up to 2,500 students. Nearly half of the student population will be from Sun Valley. Therefore, about 50 percent would travel to and from Sun Valley, and the other half from the current Hug High School zone.

Although no decisions have been made at this stage, the following transportation improvements should be anticipated as necessary with the project, according to the report.

El Rancho Drive / Sun Valley Boulevard: Convert the existing westbound to northbound right-turn lane to a free right-turn with a receiving acceleration and merge lane

El Rancho Drive / Sullivan Lane: Add a channelized right-turn lane to the westbound approach at a minimum, possibly a roundabout or signal depending on the final distribution of traffic

Sullivan Lane / North Project Access: Construct a single-lane roundabout or other intersection improvements

Sullivan Lane / South Project Access: Construct a single-lane roundabout or other intersection improvements

McCarran Boulevard / Sullivan Lane: Construct major intersection improvements including modifying or adding lanes on the northbound and southbound approaches, lengthening of the eastbound left-turn lane, signal modifications, and signal phasing/timing revisions

McCarran Boulevard / Wedekind Road: Construct a traffic signal if permitted by NDOT and the City of Sparks, OR, construct a median island on McCarran Boulevard limiting traffic movements to right-in/right-out/left-in access to/from both approaches of Wedekind Road. The median configuration would prohibit left-turn movements and through movements departing from Wedekind Road to McCarran Boulevard to improve intersection safety. Improvements at this intersection would only be needed if the project were to obtain access at McCarran Blvd/Wedekind Road.

Project Connection to Wedekind Road: If connection is made to Wedekind Road, construct a roundabout or other intersection improvements on Wedekind Road north of McCarran Boulevard

Sullivan Lane & McCarran Boulevard Roadways: Construct sidewalks and bicycle lanes along the project frontage(s)

Sullivan Lane, El Rancho Drive & McCarran Boulevard Roadways: Construct sidewalks and bicycle lanes at select locations to fill in gaps in the existing walking/cycling infrastructure

Public Transit: Based on RTC input, potentially construct a stop for RTC Ride on Sullivan Lane near the campus entrance. The RTC may wish to consider changes to Route 15 to better serve high school students.

Other improvements as identified by future traffic impact studies: The intersection mitigation requirements may change based on the final site plan and access configurations. Additionally, reviewing agencies may require the evaluation of other intersections, traffic scenarios, or transportation aspects.

FLIGHT PATH

The preliminary FAA Airspace review concludes that the high school can be developed without creating an airspace surface obstruction.

"A structure height of 150’ or less can be constructed (from existing ground elevation) without creating an airspace obstruction regardless of location on the site," according to the report.

Noise abatement is not required. The "FAA recommends noise mitigation measures to facilities within the 65-decibel contour. Mitigation for any facility beyond the 65-decibel contour is optional, and while not required, noise mitigation should be considered during the final design of the facility."

WCSD will still consider soundproofing, said Pete Etchardt, chief operating officer for the school district.

"We want to make sure the school is comfortable for all of our students, and noise abatement is one of the factors we'll look into," he said.

WCSD will have to install light shields that won't be distracting to pilots or aircraft control tower operators.

FLOODING

Due to the site being downstream from the Sun Valley Dam, which provides detention for the Sun Valley regional drainage area.

Discharge from the dam outlet and emergency spillway enter the project area, combine with the onsite drainage through a series of small channels and overland flow, and ultimately discharge under McCarran Blvd into the public storm drain network.

Andrew Durling with Wood Rodgers said a 75-foot drainage channel connecting to the City of Sparks storm drainage system should prevent flooding.

WILDLIFE

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's database query revealed that there are four threatened, endangered (sensitive) species that potentially can occur within the project area.

The Cui-ui, Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, North American wolverine and Webber's Ivesia were identified as the sensitive species.

In conclusion, Durling said these four species were not found on the site.

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The due diligence and appraisal report will be presented to the Washoe County School District trustees at their meeting on Tuesday November 28, which starts at 2 p.m.

A town hall meeting will be held at Hug High's cafeteria (2880 Sutro Street) at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 30.

The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority and Washoe County Commissioners will have a joint meeting at the commission chambers 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 12.

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