Costco construction could start next week

It is conceivable that by June 5, Costco will officially own and be working on land across Old Clear Creek Road from Fuji Park.

City Manager John Berkich said escrow on the 16.19 acre parcel is expected to close June 5 and preliminary construction on the site is "imminent"

"God knows I'd like to give you a date," he said.

However, a deal with a neighboring landowner is still not settled. While it doesn't appear to threaten Costco's construction of a 148,385 square-foot warehouse and a six-pump gas station, Gene and Judy Lepire, owners of neighboring Comstock Country RV Resort, still haven't signed a deal negotiated at the end of March.

The deal between the Lepires, the city and Costco gave the Lepires $207,300 in improvements to the RV Park and Clear Creek Road. Costco also moved their building, putting 100 feet between the RV park and the store, to try and mitigate noise concerns. Costco officials also agreed to limit delivery hours.

An issue dealing with a soundwall on the property line has still not been settled. Ending the agreement with the Lepires has been on hold for over a month, and supervisors appear to be at the end of their willingness to negotiate.

At the supervisor's last meeting, Supervisor Kay Bennett insisted the board make a decision at this meeting and not extend the negotiations with the Lepires any further.

"If an agreement is not forthcoming, not an agreement (the Lepires) want to sign, then the next move would be theirs, I suppose," Berkich said. "Clearly the board wants to bring closure to it. I know the board wants a proven agreement, one that is signed. Hopefully we can provide one by Thursday."

The Lepires could not be reached for comment.

Supervisors Jon Plank and Pete Livermore both said the city has been more than reasonable in their attempt to negotiate a fair agreement with the Lepires.

"We've went as far as we can," Livermore said. "We're ready to move on."

"I think we've been pretty reasonable," Plank said. "I think it's time we take command of the situation."

If you go

What: Carson City Board of Supervisors meeting

When: Thursday, 8:30 a.m.

Where: the Community Center's Sierra Room, 851 E. William St.