Canyon Sands Residents uneasy over Parker Palm Springs expansion plans

Canyon Sands' residents voice their concerns over the expansion plans for the Parker Palm Springs hotel.

“But they are not putting any traffic controls in as part of this project," said Tony Sestrich, Canyon Sands resident.

Tony Sestrich, a new resident of Canyon Sands, chimed in during a neighborhood meeting on Sunday on the proposed expansion of the Parker Palm Springs hotel.

“It seems like on the surface its being build as the Parker hotel creating 32 more guest rooms but when you dig beyond the surface it seems like the real propose is that they are creating an event center which could hold hundreds of people," said Sestrich.

The hotel manager said the city will consider the proposed plan to construct 25 new suites and six additional rooms in the main house called Parker Hall.

The two-story development also includes two off-street parking lots and landscaping.

“We have done some architectural studies showing what the buildings is going to look like.. Its going to be 30 feet high, the hedges on linden are 15 feet high," said Ric Miller, Director of the Safety and Preparedness Committee at Canyon Sands.

Miller informed residents about design plans for the proposed project.

“Four driveways that 45 homes utilize on linden way that would be impacted," said Miller.

Miller said without a clear traffic zoning defined...

“Everybody in essential in Canyon Sands will be affected by an increase in traffic," said Miller.

Residents suggested an alternative for the proposed entrance.

“If the egress for the Parker were on Cherokee Way, it would do alot to improve the plan and impact our neighborhood less," said Sestrich.

Residents said Linden Way is too narrow to accommodate an entrance to the expanded hotel property and suggested Cherokee Way with a traffic light as a better fit.

“Its the traffic the roads can not accept all of the traffic there is not a traffic light at the end of Linden," said Malia Dailey, Canyon Sands resident.

Brandon McCurley, Parker Palm Springs General Manager, sent News Channel 3 a written statement:

Parker Palm Springs is pleased to announce the proposed development of Parker Hall, a luxurious and private retreat with spectacular views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Situated on three and a half acres of land adjacent to the Parker Palm Springs, Parker Hall is targeted to open in early 2021. 

The development of the available land will provide a significant investment and further elevation to the Melody Ranch neighborhood. Previously reserved for large outdoor events and the associated commercial vehicle traffic, the Parker Hall development will provide a serene residential presence with focus on travelers seeking a world class hotel that understands and embraces the art of service from times long past. Parker Hall will be ideal for smaller, exclusive and intimate events that can be hosted indoors to respect the residential location. 

Reserved for registered guests only, the gated property will make use of the existing mature hedges surrounding Parker Hall to provide complete privacy to the 25 suites and 6 rooms located in the main house.

Partnering with Jonathan Adler and Judy Kameon, Elysian Landscapes, Parker Hall will bring a new design aesthetic that is very different from Parker Palm Springs but maintains the same whimsy and appreciation for details. 

Miller hopes the hotel and the city considered their input.

“We want to work with the Parker because we are members of the same community. We are not trying to stop the project. We want to conduct the project in a way that doesn’t negatively impact anybody," said Miller.

Update 01/08/2020 -

The vote on the matter has been postponed for another two weeks. The Planning commission recommended that the developer reach out to the HOA leaders to work together on a solution.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.