Planning Commission approves Boys & Girls Club plans

The Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada got its first official go-ahead from Carson City Wednesday to build a new clubhouse when planning commissioners unanimously approved a special-use permit for the site.

The decision will allow the organization to build a new 59,000-square-foot building and sports fields at the 17-acre site on the southwest corner of North Lompa Lane and Northridge Drive.

"Overall, it's just a great project to give our kids a place to go in the afternoons and on the weekends," said Buzz Fitzpatrick of Lumos and Associates, the engineering firm hired for the project.

The permit gives the club permission to build a 6-foot block wall along the west side of the property to separate it from neighbors. It also allows the club to build a building with some elements reaching 40 feet high.

Several conditions were placed on the project. The club will be required to begin the project within a year of the date of final approval, or apply for a one-year extension, if needed. Landscape plans meeting city development standards will need to be submitted.

The club is required to submit exterior lighting plans with lights recessed or shielded so light is projected downward and not diagonally upward. The club must limit the use of potable water and make provisions to convert to reclaimed water for irrigation in the future.

Some commissioners commended the club for working with the neighborhood to resolve concerns about the project. Opposition sparked initially was absent Wednesday. Lumos and Associates has also met with neighbors to find solutions.

The decision by the commission is considered final and will not be referred to the Board of Supervisors, as is normal procedure for a special-use permit, said Walt Sullivan, director of planning and community development.

"This is the fun part of doing this job," said commission Chairman Richard Wipfli. "It took a while to get here. I think they came up with a great project. I'm happy to be able to pass this on."

The new complex will reportedly cost $4.25 million. The group has raised $1.4 million and will start construction when the total amount is realized.

Fitzpatrick said the club hopes to begin building at the site by March and be finished building by the end of 2004, if funding is available.

The facility will include a main building, soccer fields, a softball field, tennis courts and a playground area. The main building will house a game room, administration office and an education/recreation room.

The club is working with the city parks and recreation department to include an eventual public gymnasium as part of the design.

The current, crowded clubhouse at 673 S. Stewart St. serves an estimated 1,800 children with 36 full-time and part-time employees who use the building throughout the year. About 350 children a day use the building during the school year, and 450 a day during summer.