RED ROCK CANYON ALERT!

This isn't your standard-issue FAQ, but should cover most of the bases.

On June 5, 1997 the Clark County Planning Commission approved a zone change requested by developer Stephen Macie of Outdoor Resorts of America for an RV park and other commercial development on approximately 89 acres. This is to be located at the junction of Hwy. 160 (Pahrump Hwy. or Blue Diamond Rd.) and Hwy. 159 (into Red Rock Canyon). The request had been denied by the local Citizens Advisory Board, over 700 protest signatures were on file, and the County Staff researchers had recommended denial.

The recently adopted Land Use Plan designated this area for low density residential use.
Current zoning is:

• H-2 General Highway Frontage (restaurant, gas station, motel, etc..)
• RU Rural Open Land: (single family dwelling, 1 house per 2 acres)

Proposed zoning is:

• RV-P Recreational Vehicle Park- (20 units per acre;
  requires landscaping, 6' wall, lights, etc.)
• C-2 General Commercial (hotel, motel, retail sales, alcohol sales,
  shopping center, etc.)

The plans presented by the developer and his consultant, former County Commissioner, Thalia Dondero at the Planning Commission for the property include:

672 RV spots; Gas station; Convenience store; Car wash; Putting green Private club house; 4 swimming pools; and Lakes.

At a June 12, 1997 meeting of the Horse Council and Rural Living of NV, Mr. Macie told the audience that he intended to lease 270 acres from BLM and develop a 100 acre equestrian facility. It would include enclosed arena(s), barns and trails. There was also mention of a golf course, although he was not specific as to what would be put on the other 170 leased acres. He did indicate to the group that water would be brought from Las Vegas because the local situation was poor. None of this had been mentioned at previous meetings.

Residents and concerned citizens feel that this development is inappropriate for the area because:

1. The zone change requested is not in compliance with the Land Use Plan. It would increase the population density 17 times over what is currently recommended.
2. There is no infrastructure for this size development.
• Residents along the highway are currently on wells at a depth of 400 to 800 feet. Although the Vegas Valley Water District administers the Blue Diamond water system, the town does not have a well, water is purchased from the James Hardie Mine and is limited to 150 acre feet or 176 hook ups.
• The closest fire services are: 3 miles to the Blue Diamond Volunteer Fire Department, 9 miles to the Mountain Springs Volunteer Fire Depart., 14 miles to the fully staffed station on Industrial Rd. (trucks would have to cross the railroad tracks to access the area).
• The Highway Department stated they have no plans to widen Hwy. 160 (known to locals as "The Widow Maker") to handle the increased traffic this development would bring.Traffic currently averages 3000 vehicles a day on Hwy. 159 and 9000 a day on Hwy. 160. Much of this is truck traffic from the mine.
1. The development is 1.3 miles from the entrance to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Increasing the population density this much will adversely affect the fragile riparian area and ecology. Wildlife needs room.
2. The development is adjacent to a designated Wild Horse & Burro Management area and is prime
   desert tortoise habitat.
3. Approximately 85% of the project area is located in the 100 year flood plain.
   

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STOP THIS?

1. Write to your elected officials at once to stop this development. Refer to ZC-0453-97.
   
2. Come to the County Commission meeting July 2, 1997 at 1:00 p.m. at 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy.
   
3. Visit your County Commissioner in person and express your concerns.
   
4. Contact as many other people and groups as you can who might be interested and encourage them to write and attend the July 2 meeting.
5. Circulate a protest petition.

Our Action Page contains names, addresses, and email addresses of the players in this game. Why not check it out and maybe do something. No matter who you are, or where you live, something like this affects us all!