This badly flawed plan passed in spite of overwhelming community opposition. It's done. It approved increased zoning for 632 clustered homes at Matera Ridge, zoning change for the Gourley property that was snuck in late in the process and commercial development at the tree line along the so-called state designated Mt Rose Scenic Corridor. It is truly the "Developers Dream Come True Plan". Before the ink was dry a trustee notice of sale was filed on the Matera Ridge property and they then declared bankruptcy. They are currently $86,514 delinquent on their taxes (3-17-10) as are other related properties. Think how that money could be used to keep our libraries open and other uses.
The developers tried to get their hands on 375 acres of our US Forest Service Land just off the Mt Rose Scenic Corridor. This is just east of Fawn Lane where Thomas Creek ends south of the gas station. We were able to protect the land from development so far but under the Forest Area Plan, aka The Developers Dream Come True Plan, they were able to get in a four lane road to Fawn Lane. Our priority is saving this Forest Service Land and using it for county, state or city parks, a nature center, hiking and equestrian trails... maybe a "Rancho San Rafael South". Possibly a middle or elementary school or other county uses. Not turning it over to developers as proposed by the county. Make no mistake, they'll be back to try again.
Citizens of Washoe County overwhelmingly passed WC3 the Water Initiative to provide adequate water before approving development. The developers tried everything they could to block this after it passed in spite of the 73% voter approval. Ballot measures, such as to protect our USFS land, might be the best way to make the citizen's desires known over a non-responsive county and city representatives.
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. The bulk of donations to city and county officials comes from pro-development (and sprawl) interests. This has become a non-democracy. If you aren't outraged, you're not paying attention. We need to elect reasonable candidates. Sitting and watching is no longer an option. Get involved.
The over growth approved by Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County has resulted in over building, over supply, developer bankruptcies, a new business in town called "Available" and "For Lease". The result has been our housing prices have plummeted. Many of us are 'upside down' or in foreclosure. Others have had to short sell their homes and move. Reduced home values means reduced appraised values and greatly reduced property tax income for county and city services. We are so screwed! And you're thinking of re-electing these folks?
Unrelated to growth take a look at the new ballpark sweetheart deal the City of Reno cut for the developers. Look it up on the RGJ and hold on to your wallet to the tune of one million dollars per year or more.
We have been working closely with Voters for Sensible Growth and hope to focus more attention on the issues and hold candidate forums.
Apparently they need more money. Will this mean more taxes for you? Lots of fire related issues. Will the Reno Fire Department try to squeeze out our fire service? Will this mean more taxes? Dr Robert Parker has been on the front line on these issues and we thank him.
Where will the water come from for all these developments? Many wells have gone dry and the county has not been responsive in helping to mitigate this problem.
The County promised to reforest this failed development, but they haven't done it and won't. (See official correspondence)
Cleared land along the north side of Mt. Rose Scenic Corridor at the Estates at Mt Rose (Callahan). The former owners, Reynen and Bardis, having serious financial trouble reportedly sold the much of the land to Tim Lewis Communities. We need to watch these developers and monitor what happens to the land they cleared. It is doubtful that it will be developed in the foreseeable future. What are the dust control issues?