Zoning change proposed near racetrack

Carson City planners are recommending a switch from rural to urban zoning on 253 acres in South Carson where vacant land, a dirt racetrack and large residential lots now rule the landscape.

A proposal up for discussion at a public hearing Wednesday would allow four to 10 homes per acre on much of the land surrounding Racetrack Road and one to three homes per acre on the rest, as a buffer between the higher-density community and the older neighborhoods.

The proposal has created a stir among residents in the area who would rather keep their neighborhoods roomy and rural.

"We'd prefer having acre lots like they are in the rest of the neighborhood," said Schultz Drive resident Gloria Ware.

"(Higher density) would have to change the atmosphere we have here," she added. "We are rural, and we'd like to keep it that way."

But the large amount of vacant land around Racetrack Road, and its proximity to planned utility lines, make it a logical place to expand and try to meet the city's increasing housing demands, planning officials say.

City planners say the proposed rezoning is purely developer driven.

About 500 homes are slated for 150 acres of vacant land surrounding the 26-acre Champion Speedway racetrack, which is in its last season, after being purchased by Sparks development company Barker Coleman Communities.

The development would extend west into Douglas County, and Topsy Lane would be built out to meet Schultz Drive. Slightly larger lots and some commercial development is planned in the Douglas County portion of the subdivision.

Carson City's plan also calls for the future subdivisions to include pedestrian and bicycle paths connecting to Douglas County open-space projects and to various Carson City spots, including the Edmonds Sports Complex and the Virginia & Truckee railroad right-of-way along the Carson River.

No formal action on the plan is scheduled for Wednesday's meeting.

n Contact reporter Cory McConnell at cmcconnell@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.

If you go

What: Carson City Planning Commission

Where: Sierra Room of the Community

Center, 851 E. William St.

When: 3:30 p.m. Wednesday