Conversion of the Schulz Ranch property at Carson City's southern border into a housing development has a side benefit for city planners - freeing up 611 acre-feet of groundwater owned by the Schulz Family.
"The Schulz Family no longer conducts agricultural activities on the land and felt that Carson City could use the water," according to the report on the proposed sale.
City officials say they are confident in their water plan for the capital city, but that the Development Services Department "aggressively pursues all potential water-right purchase offers."
If the Board of Supervisors approves the plan Thursday, the city will pay $8,000 per acre-foot transferred to the city through the state engineer.
If the city can purchase all of the water rights, it would cost up to $4.8 million.
According to the memo provided in the board packet, the family has also agreed to a well site on the land and given the city up to five years to pay for the water.
The item is on the same agenda as the final vote on zoning and master plan changes to allow a 521-home development near Stewart.
The homes range from half-acre lots across from the one-acre parcels now permitted in the area to small 6,000- square-foot lots for what developers describe as entry homes for new families at the center of the project.
Primary concerns raised by area residents centered on traffic problems the development would create.
Staff is expected to propose some modifications to the plan to accommodate the Washoe Tribe which was concerned about the dangers traffic would cause to children crossing one of the main access roads to the development.
If you go
What: Carson City Board of Supervisors meeting
When: 8:30 a.m. Thursday
Where: Sierra Room of the Community
Center, 851 E. William St.
