Proposed Carson City development to be scaled back

The developer of a proposed residential development on the west side of Carson City says the project will change due to public feedback.

Vince Scott, general partner, The Vintage at Kings Canyon LP, said 10,000 square feet of commercial space will be removed from what was originally planned as a mixed-use development for senior living.

“There will be zero commercial space,” said Scott, speaking after a meeting held Tuesday evening with a small group of nearby residents to the property.

In addition, two large buildings — a 32-unit independent living and 128-unit assisted living facilities — have been realigned so they no longer abut existing houses on Long Street.

The smallest lots for single-family houses have been bumped from 3,375 square feet to 3,500 square feet; the setbacks between perimeter lots and the fence have been increased from 20 to 30 feet; and a trail going all around the property has been added as has a 1-acre vineyard.

The changes come after an outpouring of concern about the proposed development, which is planned on the Andersen Ranch between Mountain Street and Ormsby Boulevard and Ormbsy and Kings Canyon Road.

On April 7, Scott and representatives from the project’s site designer and planner held a public meeting to introduce Vintage at Kings Canyon to close by homeowners.

About 300 people attended and many made it clear they were opposed to the project, at least as it was presented.

On Monday, about 150 people showed up for another meeting, this one called by fellow residents, to talk to about options for either getting changes made to project or to finding an alternative use for the property such as preserving it as open space or turning it into a large city park.

Tuesday’s meeting at Glen Eagle’s Restaurant & Lounge included about a dozen residents invited by the developer team as the first step in building a citizens advisory board.

“You’re here because you were the most vocal,” said Kirsten Moates, the developer’s public relations director.

The goal of the board is to create a conduit between the developer and the public, providing a two-way street for feedback.

Scott presented an overview of some features of the project, including energy efficient home designs, the added vineyard and services such as concierge.

He said it would create about 200 jobs in housekeeping, caregivers, maintenance and administration.

Residents brought up their concerns, including flooding, water and the commercial space, which were discussed at previous meetings.

Michael Bennett, Carson City location principal with Lumos & Associates, the project’s site designer, said some homes would be raised up one to one-and-half feet but no additional dirt would be hauled in to raise the entire development.

He also said the property would be developed without any impact to its neighbors and the city has said it can deliver a will serve letter for water.

Next, people there will decide whether they want to serve on the advisory committee.

The developer will also continue to hold small meetings with more residents, said Moates.

The developer team plans to submit its plans for the planned unit development to the Planning Commission at its May 25 meeting.