Supervisors reject proposal for Combs Canyon development

A proposal for a 78-unit residential project in Combs Canyon was rejected by the Carson City Board of Supervisors on Thursday.

The supervisors expressed dismay that neither the developer nor his attorney were there to make their case. The only representatives there were from Lumos and Associates Inc., the local firm that prepared developer Steve Selinger's application for a zone change and tentative map.

"I don't think this developer has put his best foot forward," Supervisor Shelly Aldean said.

And Supervisor Pete Livermore said he believed the development, as it is, could end up being a "snow job."

Several residents addressed the board, all of them saying the higher density was their chief concern. Combs Canyon Road is already overtraveled, they said.

"I just can't imagine how those people would get out of their homes and save anything" during a fire if the area is developed using the developer's current plan, said Jackie Wyatt. She has watched two fires ravage the area in 20 years: one in 1987 and the 2004 Waterfall fire.

Bruce Kittress, another resident, called the proposal a "schlock plan."

The Carson City Planning Commission rejected the development amid objections by residents and city staff - its density being chief among reasons. The homes within this gated community would be much smaller and closer together than those in other developments in the area.

In other actions:

-- A vote about the Eagle Village Condominium Planned Development Unit, a 36-unit project proposed to be in the commercially zoned area north of Eagle Station Lane, was postponed. Some of the supervisors were concerned about using the commercial area for a residential project and also wanted to wait for the Mayor Marv Teixeira before taking the vote. He was ill and didn't attend the meeting.

-- The city will support the tax abatement effort by Vitamin Research Products Inc. The Carson company has expanded its operation and seeks to reap potential benefits that may result.

-- Bob Kennedy was named to the Carson City Library Board of Trustees. His term was to fill a short-term vacancy that will last until June.

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