Washoe Valley residents upset about plan to build 1,000 new homes

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 1997 | 9:22 a.m.

Rancher John Casey is seeking county approval to subdivide nearly 2,000 acres for the proposed Ophir Lakes development along U.S. 395 in scenic Washoe Valley, about 15 miles south of Reno.

"I would like to stand up for Mr. Casey's rights to develop his property, but not at the expense of everybody in the valley," Winter's Ranch owner Bill Elliott said Monday during an advisory meeting on the project.

The Ophir Lakes development would surround Elliott's ranch.

Project designers said nearly 70 percent of the land would be left as open space. The more exclusive homesites would range from two acres to 70 acres, but the bulk of the homes would be clustered on smaller lot sizes.

Residents fear the development would affect the valley's water supplies and force the installation of public water and sewer systems.

Increased traffic is also a concern.

Another advisory meeting with East Washoe Valley homeowners is scheduled for Oct. 1.

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