Douglas hopes redevelopment will solve county problems

The unanimous vote Thursday by the five-member commission provides the groundwork for financing sewage and water services, roads and some construction with $29.6 million in tax revenues over 30 years.

The affected areas - officially deemed blights to qualify for redevelopment - include the town of Genoa and the Ridgeview and Walley's Hot Springs areas.

Opponents include the county's school superintendent, Pendery Clark, who said the proposal should go to a public vote.

School officials said their district could lose 40 percent of its operating money under the redevelopment financing plan, which would cap property taxes at 1998 levels.

Genoa Lakes resident Tony Prestigiacomo said the commission shouldn't take out its own deficiencies on the schools and the citizens.

"Why approve a water plan and then approve various housing developments exceeding that?" he asked.

Other public services receive funds from property taxes, and with such a marked impact on schools, some residents worry about other things they've come to count on.

"Police protection, fire protection, paramedics, 911," Hal Waller said. "Any redevelopment is going to put additional demands on these services."

"You need to take your time with this," he added. "We need more information. You need more information."

Commissioner Bernie Curtis pushed to move ahead with redevelopment, but added the county should maintain a manageable level of growth.

Commissioner Kelly Kite said he's sure the county is taking the right course.

"Sure there's risk. And sure there's some uncertainty," he said."But I have to think we're doing the right thing."

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