Southside development requires major scrutiny

A proposal to build 184 homes on a hillside on the south side of Carson City would have a huge impact on the area. Residents should be happy that city planners have vowed to be aggressive in scrutinizing the plans before any approvals are handed out.

But it will be equally important for the public to get involved when hearings are held. There's just too much at stake.

The project, proposed by owners of Casino Fandango on 22 acres off South Curry Street, would add to and change traffic flows, and may require the closure or rerouting of some of the roads in the area.

It would also create a major visual impression, as the subdivision would be prominent on the hillside above the Fandango. The city has an ordinance that regulates building on hillsides, but it remains to be determined whether it will affect this proposal. As developable land becomes scarce in the city, there will likely be more and more proposals for developments higher up. Ultimately, that could change the scenery we enjoy so much out our windows, making this an important test case.

Certainly, there are several positives that could result from the proposal, including tax proceeds and much-needed housing. Those are important counterbalancing arguments to consider.

Before the hearings happen, the preliminary plans are going through a major project review process by city planners and others to see if they comply with city codes. After that, the developer will come back with specific plans, and that's the stage in which the public will have a say.

The hearings could be months down the line, but when they're finally scheduled, we hope many residents will mark them in red ink on their calendars.