Massive Spanish Springs housing project scrutinized over hillside development
SPANISH SPRINGS, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — Construction is already underway on a massive Spanish Springs housing project, but some nearby residents are sharing concerns about developing on a steep hillside ahead of a vote this week at the Sparks planning commission.
Planning commissioners are expected to consider whether to approve S3 Development's request to grade 19 acres of hillside land. It's the final piece of the developer's plan for a 1,200-home master planned community, located in an old quarry.
The 5 Ridges development, located northwest of Highland Ranch Parkway and Pyramid Highway, has been dubbed the 'little brother' to northwest Reno's Somersett.
Developer Blake Smith, who also developed Somersett, said the last 19 acres of hillside grading is needed to ensure builders can construct enough homes to satisfy a development agreement with the City of Sparks.
But some who live just north of the proposed addition say it goes too far and would disturb the natural rock outcroppings and ridgelines.
"Now they want to disturb it and bring more homes down, right down into our lap here," said Rock Cole, who's enjoyed unobstructed views behind his Spanish Springs home for 25 years.
What they're proposing is basically destroying the top half of that mountain for a few more homes.
Smith told News 4-Fox 11 his company is working to address resident concerns by minimizing the impacts to ridgelines and homeowners' views.
"We're pulling the houses back and we're limiting the height of accessory buildings to try and accommodate their concerns, so we're trying to work with them," Smith said.
During a hearing on the matter last month, Sparks planning commissioner Marilyn Kramer questioned the timing of the developer's latest request.
"Why is it now at this late stage in the game that the developer's coming back and saying, 'Oops, we want to now develop more ridgetops,'" she said during an April 15 meeting.
Smith said the original plan was to develop on the hillside and said residents and others should've shared their concerns earlier in the process.
"This land plan has been in the public environment for 7 or 8 years and it's always had this grading that we're talking about. (It's) been on the land plan since day 1."
Cole questioned whether the developer needed to build down the hillside when the quarry provides over 100 acres of more suitable land.
Hasn't he already struck gold here, literally? How much more do you really need?
Sparks planning commissioners are expected to debate the matter during their meeting on Thursday, May 6. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. Click here for more information on how you can participate.