Editorial: Local law safeguards Red Rock

Tuesday, May 27, 2003 | 8:52 a.m.

The Clark County Commission last week added to the protection of Red Rock Canyon when it passed development restrictions on the gypsum mine that is now owned by home builder Jim Rhodes. The 2,400-acre mine, atop Blue Diamond Hill, is bordered on three sides by the scenic canyon, which has federal protection as a conservation area. Rhodes announced in March that he had purchased the mine, which added stimulus to a bill in the Legislature freezing the mine's current zoning, which allows only low-density development. Gov. Kenny Guinn signed the bill two weeks ago, much to our relief and the relief of all who believe the canyon's rare beauty would be spoiled by massive development along its borders.

The county's action affirms the resolve shown by the state to keep Red Rock as a treasure that yearly draws thousands of visitors. As the Sun's Launce Rake reported, the county's law adds specific requirements to development plans, including distance setbacks from ridgelines, mandatory open spaces around new homes, and restrictions to access from adjacent state routes. Additionally, the county law sets rules governing the appearance of any homes built near the canyon area. The state and county laws do not prohibit development, but they make it impossible for a development on the scale proposed by Rhodes, who filed plans to build a community of 5,500 homes on the mine site.

An attorney for Rhodes countered the commissioners' point of view, saying the law they were about to pass was unconstitutional and aimed only at Rhodes. Such words have been known to imbue public officials with the fear of a possible lawsuit, leading them to waffle at the last minute. We're glad the commissioners didn't flinch in fulfilling their responsibility to the public.