North county project before planning commission on Tuesday

The expansion of a development near the Douglas-Carson boundary has received a rare endorsement going into the Douglas County Planning Commission on Tuesday.

The Sustainable Growth Committee is backing the expansion of Big George Ventures 101-acre project located on the east side of Highway 395 along Topsy Lane.

The company's owners are seeking an increase in total number of units to 619 from the approved 364.

Big George President Raymond Sidney purchased the property in 2004 at auction from the Bureau of Land Management.

In July 2007, county commissioners approved a plan for the property that included 254 patio homes, 27 duplexes, 56 four-unit townhomes and 18 common-area parcels.

But at the hearing on the project, the developer sought a new amendment after county commissioners approved Max Baer's Beverly Hillbillies Mansion and Casino on the property directly to the west.

According to Sustainable Growth Committee Co-Chairman John Garvin, that was one of the reasons they support the change in the project.

Under the new proposal, the project would consist of 255 multiple family dwellings, 242 townhomes, 100 clustered homes, 22 units of mixed-use commercial and 59 acres of open space.

Planning staff is also recommending the project.

Douglas County planning commissioners are scheduled to meet on Tuesday and Wednesday to hear Big George Ventures' request and to discuss a request from Park Cattle Co. for a master plan amendment on 4,495 acres of land. The project plan includes placing 4,995 dwellings on a 1,372-acre parcel along Minden and Gardnerville's northern boundary.

The Park Cattle Co. proposal was denied for recommendation by Gardnerville, but approved by Minden.

Park Cattle is scheduled to be heard after 1 p.m. on Tuesday. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. and will continue at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday if necessary.

County commissioners are scheduled to hear the project at their meeting on Sept. 4.