Ranchos stays course on open space

A Gardnerville Ranchos resident appealed to the blocking off of a portion of open space, saying it was the only access he had to his backyard garage.

This issue of residents' access through open space areas was first brought to the Gardnerville Ranchos General Improvement District in September 1999, but was never acted upon.

Access to about an acre of open space was recently blocked, keeping at least one resident from getting to his property from the green belt. The resident uses access from the rear to put a motor home in his backyard garage.

There are no existing policies regarding access to open space although issues, including the prohibition of abandoned vehicles and the dumping of trash, are addressed in other district resolutions. Board member Bruce Reavis said Wednesday there didn't appear to be a reason to make a resolution.

"If we've had no complaints in 10 years, it's a waste of time," he said. "I don't see a problem."

"I do," said Chairwoman Beverly Page. "How do you put a sign up to say no dirt bikes and then let someone drive in other areas?"

Page proposed a resolution to prohibit residents driving on the green belt with any motor vehicles including recreational vehicles. Her motion was defeated by the board so no new action will be taken.

"There's no change," said Ranchos counsel Mike Rowe.

"If they take no action then the status quo is reserved."

Rowe said that if residents driving on open spaces behind their homes becomes a problem, it will be readdressed by the board.