The Carson City Board of Supervisors approved a tentative map for the first homes at Lompa Ranch amid concerns whether the city’s school system can keep pace with the residential growth.
The Blackstone Development Group Inc., project consists of 189 single-family homes to be built by Ryder Homes on about 44 acres located south of Robinson Street, east of Saliman Road, and north of 5th Street.
The developer is working on several fronts to mitigate issues, including developing land at Carson High School for school bus loading and unloading now done on Robinson Street, and talking to the fire department about building a fire station in lieu of a $1,000 per unit impact fee, although the fee isn’t earmarked for fire services.
Mayor Bob Crowell noted, though, the plan didn’t include mitigation for schools.
“Nothing in here addresses their concerns,” he said.
Hope Sullivan, planning manager, said the school district hadn’t requested a mitigation plan, at least not yet.
“The school is concerned, make no mistake about it,” said Sullivan. “We’re anticipating the next one that comes in we will hear more about it.”
That next one is already under conceptual review with the city.
The second phase consists of another 155 single-family houses, said Michael Railey, partner, Rubicon Design Group, representing Blackstone, after the meeting.
Lompa Ranch is one of four areas in Carson City with its own specific plan, which designates 10 acres there for a new school.
But the Carson City School District (CCSD) would need to buy the land and build the school, all of which looks to be beyond its financial capacity.
A.J. Feuling, director of fiscal services, CCSD, said the school could issue bonds again in 2021 or 2022 for about $20 million.
Construction of a new elementary school would cost $25 million, he estimated, and that doesn’t include the cost of the land.
“Would be great to have a discount on that property or I’ll take a donation any time,” said Feuling.
Supervisor Brad Bonkowski asked Railey if there was a solution.
“If they wring every dime out of their bonding capacity, they might be able to finance construction, but not the land,” Bonkowski said. “How do we bridge that gap?”
Railey said there were some creative ways that could be investigated, including a lease-back agreement or having the developer do some of the improvements more efficiently.
The school just recently bonded for $17 million for numerous projects at several schools.
The board of supervisors voted unanimously to approve the tentative map.
The supervisors also heard on first reading an ordinance to create a new zone called General Industrial Airport (GIA) and to change land near the airport to the new zone as well as some parcels to General Industrial (GI).
The goal is to open more land in Carson City for industrial uses.
The GIA land adjacent to the airport is restricted from any uses illegal under federal law, which includes all marijuana establishments.
There was some concern other parcels not bordering the airport could put in marijuana production or cultivation.
The ordinance will be read for a second and final time at the board’s April 6 meeting.
The supervisors convening as the Board of Health heard a presentation on potential federal budget cuts to public health services by Nicki Aaker, director, Carson City Health & Human Services.
They include family planning services funded through Title X.
Some of the services are mandated by Nevada Revised Statute and some are optional.
“Looking down the road, we have some decisions to make,” Aaker said.
At the beginning of the meeting, Melanie Bruketta, director, human resources, said HR employee Barbara Peach passed away Wednesday and a life celebration would take place in the summer or fall.
