Henderson: Calico Ridge debate near compromise

Valerie Miller

Thursday, March 25, 1999 | 11:26 a.m.

After months of wrangling among residents, developers and the city of Henderson, the debate over industrial development in Calico Ridge may be one step closer to a resolution.

Calico Ridge, a residential subdivision of about 400 homes on Henderson's northeast side, took center stage again at a meeting Wednesday night of the city's Citizens Advisory Committee.

About 50 people, most from Calico Ridge, turned out at City Hall to watch all sides move closer to a compromise.

Residents of Calico Ridge, near Olsen Street and Lake Mead Drive, had loudly protested planned development on the industrially zoned land next to the homes at advisory committee meetings last year. They claimed the development would increase crime, traffic congestion and noise while destroying their quality of life.

"I'm happy to announce that we are fairly close to resolving our differences with residents over Eagle Rock," said Marlene Micheals, representing the developer of the 20.5-acre parcel of land, which is part of about 60 acres zoned for industrial use, some of which could come as close as 20 feet from the Calico Ridge community.

In response to the residents' concerns, the matter was referred late last year to the city attorney's office for mediation, which was concluded in February. While the results have yet to be released, Micheals said she expects to receive a report on it within a few weeks.

The Henderson Planning Commission approved the Eagle Rock development in February, but Micheals said the item has been continued at the last few City Council meetings as she attempts to work out a compromise with both residents and the city over the already approved building heights of 35 feet. "At least then you will have one issue resolved in Calico Ridge," she said.

The city, Micheals maintained, has agreed to compensate her for additional land she leaves for buffering and reduction of building heights. She also credited residents for their initiative in finding a solution to the problem.

"Mediation ended quite some time ago, but the residents picked up the ball and continued negotiations with me," she told the advisory committee. "The (Eagle Rock) project will go forward to City Council just as soon as the city goes forward with what they agreed to do."

Residents also seemed hopeful that a compromise could be reached on the issue that has occupied the city's attention for the last seven months.

"We are happy right now" about the negotiations, Bob Reynolds, president of the Calico Ridge Owners association, said. "It's a lot better now than it was before."

The advisory committee will devote its next meeting on April 14 to the Calico Ridge issue before finalizing it recommendations for the Lake Mead area.