Duplex project advances despite opposition

A planning issue riling some residents of Governor’s Square and involving a city supervisor cleared Carson City’s Planning Commission Wednesday.

It goes to the Board of Supervisors July 17 after the commission voted 4-3 to recommend the action sought by Mark Turner, the prospective developer along South Roop Street, which was supported by Brad Bonkowski, the supervisor and co-owner of the land involved. The action would allow residential rather than commercial buildings in the planned unit development (PUD) that includes Governor’s Square. Turner wants to build duplexes just west of the town homes there.

“In all likelihood they will be rental property,” he told commission members. The six duplexes amount to a dozen units and each would be nearly 1,100 square feet, add density by increasing the PUD from 48 to 60 units, and scrap six commercial structures previously authorized. The duplexes would be two feet higher than the authorized commercial buildings and some residents complained of blocked views.

“It’s ludicrous to me,” said Elizabeth Kantura, a Governor’s Square owner and resident, noting such changes “are going to devalue my property.”

She was among 10 people appearing to testify against the change, several of whom asked for delay. Later in the meeting some shouted from their seats about their views.

Brenda Heldoorn. another resident, also opposed the plan and said the duplexes would wind up “completely boxing in Governor’s Square.”

Bonkowski, a commercial broker who said he and partner Andie Wilson own the land strip, testified on parking issues.

Parking slots along Roop just east of the vacant land are on Governor’s Square property but there is an easement for the land holder for which the homeowner’s association receives payment. Wilson also appeared, saying back payments were caught up when they purchased the property.

The pair want to sell the land to Turner, the applicant to change the PUD, and planning staff recommended that. The commission first voted on a denial motion, which failed 4-3, then voted to send it on to the board.

Chairman George Wendell and members Walt Owens, Kent Steele and Walt Kimbrough turned back the denial and favored the recommendation.

Paul Esswein, Marks Stadler and Malkiat Dhami voted the other way each time.

Bonkowski during a recess said when the issue reaches the city governing board on which he serves, he will recuse himself from the vote.

In other noteworthy action, the commission approved a special use permit (SUP) for an electronic LED sign at the state’s Railroad Museum on South Carson Street, another SUP for construction of a state Department of Transportation maintenance structure at 2296 Fairview Dr., and recommended to the city governing board a tentative subdivision map for a half dozen five-acre lots up Clear Creek Road well west of Costco, but still in the city.