Spring Mountain, a green oasis? But, in the wrong place?

[Mike Jamieson]

Erik Holland, in being questioned by council members at the meeting where they eventually voted 4-2 to approve zoning changes on land 20 miles north of Reno where a "green" community is planned, suggested that the Spring Mountain development was a great vision, but slated for the wrong place.
He thinks development should be largely happening in all the vacant areas inside the city, and perhaps east, further along the river.

Jaksick's plan looks intriguing but, like many, very practical considerations seem to veto this vision for that location. (Beginning with insufficient roads.) Should we be encouraging a relocation? It seems Dave Aiazzi can be turned around. (He said as much, so far as when it comes to future votes.)

[Billy]

I don't know anything about this community, but it won't be green unless the county puts a light rail in to come the 20 miles to town for work and purchases. The future of cities—at least at this time—is back to the urban centers where folks can walk a few blocks to work and to play.

Though US citizens will have oil for a bit more longer now that the US has taken over the Iraqi oil fields, it's anyone's guess how long it will be, this time, before the world economies hyperinflate when oil becomes more scarce again and for the last time.

So what makes this community green? Is there info online. Is it that the houses are built into the sides of hills? Will each have a wind turbine, PVCs and solar heating? Will the homeowners be returning energy to the grid?

[Billy]

Dave Aiazzi is the chair. He doesn't care about community response. He accused Bob Fulkerson of "Never" responding to him and when Bob did so on our boards within 24 hours, Aiazzi split and hasn't touched the board since. He did leave a snide comment somewhere else though. So good luck getting through to that hypocrite. Anyone want to start a recall Aiazzi group? I don't want someone making decisions for the majority whose best shot is throwing his considerable weight around these boards and not responding to good discourse.

From: [e-mail]
Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 8:33 PM
Subject: please everyone email your elected officials before March 12! thanks!

Hi everyone,
...
March is coming in like a lion. Let’s make it come in like a lion for our elected officials as well. The RPGB must reconsider the Spring Mountain project because we did an administrative appeal. We can win this battle in the long run…if the people speak up!

Our basic message for our RPGB: The regional plan is currently a schizophrenic document: The first retains the goals of directing development toward the traditional urban cores, and the second flings development all over the county. Our region is at a cross roads and we the voters want the former. There is no need for massive growth anywhere! And..we are watching and we are remembering…

It may even be more important for members of the RPGB to be lobbied in advance of the meeting. Please, everybody at least email these folks! Thanks!

1) Email one or all of the elected officials on the RPGB
2) Attend the hearing at 2 pm March 12

Please send copies of any emails back to me! Thanks!

Below are some talking points, and even farther below are the emails of the Regional Planning Governing Board Members:

1) Reno should not be exercising jurisdiction over land thirty miles away. This is buckshot/leapfrog sprawl—the worst kind of planning. It violates the intent of state law. It pumps up costs for infrastructure.

2) There is no confirmed water. The developers plan to compete with other developers for Honey Lake water, pump the Smoke Creek desert dry, and Washoe County owns the water rights at the ranch.

3) This leapfrog sprawl forces folks into their automobiles. They claim a 70% trip capture rate that would keep a potential 117,000 potential trips “down” to 27,000 trips on the Pyramid Highway. I only make comment that if development was focused closer to the urban core, there would be a 100 percent capture rate

4) Winnemucca Ranch is the closest wilderness to Reno. Antelope play, jack rabbits bound, hawks soar and coyote prowl. Where are these animals going to go once the area is paved? The smoke creek desert? That’s going to be pumped dry.

Contact info for RPGB members:

Dave Aiazzi ( chair) [e-mail]
Bonnie Weber [e-mail]
John Breternitz [e-mail]

Mike Carrigan [e-mail]
Bob Cashell [e-mail]
Dwight Dortch [e-mail]
Pierre Hascheff [e-mail] he may need to rescuse himself, since he works for the Winnemucca Ranch developers
Geno Martini [e-mail]
Ron Schmitt [e-mail]