County planners choose retail over housing

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 1998 | 2:35 a.m.

Developer John Serpa is seeking a master plan amendment and zone change that would allow general commercial development on the site, located along Highway 395 just south of Jacks Valley Road.

Currently, the land is designated for multi- and single-family homes and neighborhood commercial enterprises like convenience stores.

A conceptual plan for the land says it could host a retail commercial center with three large store sites and six smaller pads totaling 370,000 square feet.

Residents seemed resigned to the plan.

"We now have a choice between 350 apartments or a consolidated retail development," said resident Leah Seslar. "I'll take the mall. I'm not happy with either of them."

"We are very disappointed this has come about," added Carol Harness. "We aren't for it, we're just more against apartments."

Backers cited the revenue the project could bring. Many Douglas County residents do their shopping in Carson City or Reno, which costs Douglas millions in sales taxes.

The action must be approved by the County Commission, which is to take up the matter next month. Following that, final plans detailing the project's layout and other features would have to be submitted for approval.