Planning Commission recommends Envision master plan

Final drafts of Envision Carson City now will go to the Board of Supervisors on April 6 for its potential approval.

The documents - the Comprehensive Master Plan, Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Unified Pathways Master Plan - were recommended by the Planning Commission as appropriate replacements for citywide growth policies in place since 1996. Several residents talked about the latest proposals.

Grant Weise Jr. was worried about the 140 acres held in the trust he manages for his family. If designated in the proposed master plan for fewer dwellings per acre than now allowed now, the land, west of Lakeview Estates, would be greatly reduced value if developed.

Weise asserts the new plan would violate an agreement his father, Grant Weise Sr., made with the city in 1979 that traded water rights for the ability to develop at the higher density of one dwelling for each acre, instead of a minimum of one dwelling for each 20 acres.

Weise also wanted a proposed trail that was mapped through the property not to be included. City staff will research his argument to see whether changing the land-use designation might be a problem.

"I have a legal obligation to the trust, to protect the value of the land," Weise said. "My father went to his grave feeling the trust was secure."

Bruce Kittress, who lives in the northwest section of the city, told the commissioners he doesn't want to see the westside residential areas lose their character and open feeling.

"Everybody in this town wants more consumers. Everybody wants more growth," Kittress said after the meeting. "But homeowners say 'take it easy and hold the taxes down.'"

He also believes the effort to encourage more pedestrian activity is futile: "It's a nice thought, but it's bucking a trend."

Though the master plan itself doesn't change the zoning, "by approving this plan, you're opening the door to change the zoning," Weise also said.

For details regarding the comprehensive plan, contact principal planner Lee Plemel at 887-2180.

Direct questions about the Parks and Recreation Master Plan or the Unified Pathways Plan to Vern Krahn, parks planner, at 887-2363, ext. 1006.

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