Initial plans for Summerhawk OK'd by city planners

Initial plans for a large residential development on the west side of Carson City were recommended Wednesday by planning commissioners.

Summerhawk, with 201 homes, will be surrounded by an expanse of open space and include parks and trails near Curry and Rhodes streets. The project's tentative map was the major issue the panel considered.

Several neighboring property owners were concerned about a variety of issues - especially fire- and drainage-prevention needs - related to the project. The homes would be built within a 48-acre portion along the back of Greenhouse Garden Center, which faces Curry Street, west and north toward the canyon near the end of Rhodes Street. The development plan extends over 548 acres.

David Ruf, owner of Greenhouse Garden Center at Curry and Rhodes, also has concerns about traffic in the area and sought assurances road improvements will be adequate.

"It's going to be quite busy," he said after the meeting about the neighborhood streets.

Up to 40 large semi trucks deliver goods to Ruf's business and come up Rhodes to unload, then continue west up the street and turn around so they can return to Curry. With traffic increases this and other projects are expected to bring to the west side, it would be more difficult for drivers to get back out, Ruf said.

He also told the commissioners a bicycle lane along Curry or through Summerhawk would be important for the community because Silver Sage Drive is the closest north-south area for cyclists to pedal safely.

Another resident, David Helgren, wanted an opportunity to make public his worries about how the project has - and might - impact two parcels directly east of the development area held in trust for his two daughter.

He wants to ensure the roughly 21Ú2 acres have worth in the future, primarily by preserving access in and out of the area and making sure the land isn't harmed by work on the project, he said.

Helgren also said developers trespassed and caused damage to his family's property when they were conducting preliminary research for the project.

The developers - Syncon Homes, Stanton Park Development Inc., Hanser Investments, LLC - and the city have shown "a conflict of interest by violations of this trust property boundaries and legal protections," he said.

John Griffin, an attorney representing Syncon, denied Helgren's accusations this week, and has accused him of trying to force the developer to purchase the land after the parties couldn't negotiate a deal.

The city has referred the matter to the District Attorney's Office.

The commission's decision is subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors.

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