Supervisors concerned over redevelopment, economic development clash

Carson City supervisors cautioned Thursday that an idyllic redevelopment strategic plan has to mesh with the strategies of the city's upcoming economic development plan.

The Redevelopment Authority Citizen's Committee spent 15 months developing a plan that gives guiding ideals for future development in the redevelopment district. Under the theme "Downtown Carson City...timeless," the ideals are intended to be a broad guide to promote the "economic, physical and aesthetic revitalization" of downtown.

However, Mayor Ray Masayko and Supervisor Pete Livermore were concerned the plan not be used as a guiding force in the economic development planning process, which kicks off in January.

"We know downtown is unique and has a unique character. We want to preserve this. But we need to take a step back and ask what are the opportunities for economic development downtown? This is part of the redevelopment district's role in downtown. This is important, but I don't want to force fit this document into (the economic development) document."

Masayko said he wanted to make sure the "thematic" approach of the strategic plan doesn't overrule the concrete business details needed in an economic development plan. The city-funded economic development planning process will focus on three areas including the downtown corridor.

"It's very vital. I don't want it to be the Bible that's leading the congregation in the whole plan," Livermore said.

Supervisor Robin Williamson, also redevelopment chairwoman, and Redevelopment Director Rob Joiner said the strategic plan wasn't meant to provide specific details around downtown economic development. Rather, City Manager John Berkich said, it will be the "founding of the downtown element of our economic development concept."

The downtown arm of the economic development committee, which will be made up partially of the citizen's committee, will begin work on its operational plan -- the plan that will fill in more business oriented details -- in January.

The strategic plan is available for review at City Hall, 201 N. Carson St., the Carson City Library, 900 N. Roop, the Community Development Department, 2621 Northgate Lane, St. 62 and Western Nevada Community College, 2201 W. College Parkway. It will soon be available online at www.carson-city.nv.us.

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The strategic plan is available for review at City Hall, 201 N. Carson St., the Carson City Library, 900 N. Roop, the Community Development Department, 2621 Northgate Lane, St. 62 and Western Nevada Community College, 2201 W. College Parkway. It will soon be available online at www.carson-city.nv.us.