Koontz property owner has uphill climb for zoning change

Residents living near two pieces of land in the 1400 block of Koontz Lane are opposed to a zoning change sought by the property owners who want to put more homes on it than is allowed currently.

In spite of recent higher-density development concepts being approved, this request is not backed by city planners.

"Residents of these neighborhoods really want them to stay that way," said Lee Plemel, the city's principal planner.

The Board of Supervisors on Thursday is being asked to deny the request that would allow the property owners, Danny and Karen Rasner, to build two homes instead of one home per acre. Planning Commissioners in November opted not to recommend it because many neighbors were against it.

"If approved, it sets a precedent for others wanting to utilize remaining vacant land for higher-density development who can say 'Hey, you allowed it at 1400 and 1410 Koontz Lane,'" said John Peeters, who lives nearby. "I love my neighborhood just as it is. That's why I moved here."

Developers of the property assert this is suitable because the land is between areas with higher and lower level densities. They also say the development of two vacant acres would result in payment of fees to the city related to home construction and tax revenues from new residents.

"Approval of this request is a positive step in helping Carson City utilize and develop vacant land that is within an area with established utility infrastructure facilities, schools and improved roads," according to the project description by Western Engineering and Surveying Services, the firm representing the Rasners.

Plemel said circumstances are different in this instance compared to the highly contested Clearview Ridge planned for the south side, or the proposed Mills Landing development to be built near Mills Park and being considered by supervisors during this same meeting.

Housing in these areas are close to major thoroughfares, while this Koontz zoning request is a mile from Carson Street. Both of these areas are slated for higher-density housing and "close to commercial areas," Plemel said.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.

If you go

WHAT: Carson City Board of Supervisors meeting

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. Thursday

WHERE: Sierra Room, Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.

Other planning items include:

• Approving tentative planned unit application for Mills Landing housing development

• Accepting tentative common open space subdivision map for Summerhawk housing development

• Hearing recommendations about how to implement the city's master plan

• Possibly amending the city's rules regarding billboards on private property along the freeway corridor