Commission OKs Rhodes Ranch

Developer Jim Rhodes has won approval for a 1,400-acre master planned community in the rural southwest Las Vegas Valley, despite neighborhood protests that the project would spoil their way of life.

Homeowners vocally opposed the project when it was first made public six months ago, but few were on hand Wednesday when the County Commission approved the master plan for Rhodes Ranch.

"There's nothing wrong with this," Commissioner Paul Christensen said. "This is good planning."

Commissioner Bruce Woodbury cast the sole opposing vote, reiterating his position that the project is too vast and dense for a rural area where most homes are an acre away from each other. The Rhodes Ranch property stretches from the southern border of Summerlin South almost to Blue Diamond Road, between Durango Drive and Fort Apache Road.

The master plan sets the pattern for the development's land use, but Rhodes still has to come back for specific zoning changes where he is seeking a higher density or a change from residential to commercial zoning. The board already granted approval on a 339-home adults-only community surrounded by a 160-acre golf course, the first phase of the master-planned community.

When built out, the project is expected to have 7,000 homes, condos and apartments, neighborhood and community shopping centers, and a town center with plans for a hotel-casino.

Rhodes also has reserved 10 acres for an elementary school site and 40 acres for a county park site.

Chris Kaempfer, an attorney for Rhodes, said the developer has had several meetings with residents to address their concerns about density, traffic and dust from construction activities, and water.

"All these are being addressed and more," Kaempfer told the board. "Our intention is that all the issues raised by staff, the town boards and concerned neighbors will be addressed."

Robert Demeck, one resident who had raised concerns about the development, said he is resigned to having the community in his neighborhood.

"I know it's going to be here, and it's fine," Demeck said.

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