Thursday, June 6, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
Clark County commissioners have given southwest valley residents a three-month reprieve on a gravel pit operation on a proposed 1,300-acre master-planned community near their homes.
Because of concerns raised by a recent Nevada Supreme Court decision overturning variances on a Union Pacific gravel pit, the board agreed Wednesday to postpone any decision on the gravel pit operation until Sept. 18.
"We have to grapple with this whole issue of legal hardship," Commissioner Bruce Woodbury said. "I don't see how we can approve this under the circumstances."
But the commissioners decided not to wait that long on reviewing the conceptual plan for Rhodes Ranch as residents had wanted, instead giving them two weeks to sit down with county staff and developers to sort out concerns they have with the project.
Most commissioners argued it was important to get staff going on the concept plan to study the issues raised about water, sewer, traffic and dust, voting to revisit approval of the concept plan June 19.
Commissioner Erin Kenny made the motion to hold the item. "It seemed like a reasonable thing to do, to sit down and find out what the concerns are. Often it's a lack of communication."
Residents said the project was sprung on them too soon after Jim Rhodes obtained the property from the federal Bureau of Land Management three months ago. About 100 homeowners opposed to the development showed up to ask the board to hold the concept plan item until at least September.
"I don't think you can have questions answered that all the people want answered unless you have a concept plan," Kenny said, expressing the view shared by most of the commissioners.
But Woodbury sided with residents that even a conceptual plan for the project was premature.
"We were told that not too long ago the application for the land was just privatized, and here they are already moving forward on a batch plant and massive development," Woodbury said.
"We see all over the county a gradual expansion (of development), but this is not a gradual expansion. This is very rapid, massive development. The word leapfrog comes to mind."
Residents said they were glad the gravel pit and batch plant permit were held, but had hoped for more time to review the plans for the development, which includes a golf course and casino.
Rhodes is seeking zoning changes on 1,603 acres stretching from Russell Road almost to State Route 160. The variances would let him build up to 15,000 homes and apartments in the largely rural southwest valley.
Bob Campbell, representing Rhodes Homes, said he was satisfied with the board's decisions.
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