4,700-unit development in SE Reno moves forward

A proposed development that wants to bring in 4,700 housing units to southeast Reno moves forward after the Reno Planning Commission approved both the master plan and zoning map amendment by a vote of 5 to 1.

A California developer, Newport Pacific Land, wants to build single-family homes and multi-family units within 15 years near the Southeast Connector.

"It has a low environmental impact due to its infill location and doesn't require the extension of city services or utilities," said Andy Durling, Principal Planner for Wood Rogers.

While that may be the case, opponents of the project say this development would impact the surrounding community as a loss of critical flood plains that hold flood waters. They also say there is mercury in the area.

Durling told the commission the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection gave the go-ahead to the group’s remediation plan to remove that mercury.

But opponents say that study didn't cover all of the project's land.

After much debate, the commission approved the project. Now, it goes before Reno’s City Council.