Tentative Map Denied for New Spanish Springs Housing Development

A proposed housing development in Spanish Springs is being put on hold as a tentative map for the project was unanimously denied by the Washoe County Planning Commission Tuesday night. 

The Harris Ranch subdivision would have been located at the intersection of Alamosa Drive and Pyramid Highway. Approximately 610 homes were proposed to be built in the next two to three years. Each three to four bedroom home would have been on one acre of land, with an estimated cost of $400,000 to $450,000. 

Before building can begin, a tentative map needs to meet county standards and then be recorded as a final map once the developer is in compliance with standards.

Based on several factors, however, the Planning Commission denied the tentative map, citing the public's health as a reason for denial. 

Most people who spoke at the meeting inside the Washoe County Chambers said it's not development that they're concerned about. They said it's how new housing will impact overcrowded schools and the congested traffic that already exists in Spanish Springs. 

"I think we need to back up a little bit and get the facts and get the traffic accident fatality injury rate. Then take a look at it and then see what is needed," said Richard Kirkland. 

Kirkland is a former Washoe County Sheriff that has lived in Spanish Springs for the last 20 years. He isn't worried about the growth, he just wants safety to be considered.

"We have to grow the size of the roads, we have to have more lanes, we have to have a couple of traffic controls devices to give people a chance to get on the road without taking chances," said Kirkland. 

A majority of public comment during the Planning Commission meeting focused on traffic concerns, especially involving safety concerns for traffic entering and exiting onto Pyramid Highway from Alamosa.

A traffic engineer with the Nevada Department of Transportation addressed issues with congestion in the Spanish Springs area. He said signals would be necessary, with more lanes being added on Pyramid Highway in the future. 

Another concern brought up with the development being built was the overcrowded schools handling more incoming students. Students at Spanish Springs High School, Shaw Middle School and Taylor Elementary School are all over capacity. All three schools face double sessions and multi-track year round schedules in the following years. 

The developer for the Harris Ranch project says he would dedicate 21 acres for a park and a school to be built inside the subdivision.

"We feel a responsibility and we are happy to do so. We're excited to donate land of course a lot more students would go there than just what this project will handle, but it's the right thing to do. The schools need every break they can get," said Jesse Haw, with Hawco Properties. 

Haw adds, "Housing is needed in Reno. We all hear about the jobs that are coming and you hear about all the people having kids, staying here, UNR's growing. All of those people need a place to live and this is a very good spot for that."

This isn't the first time this development has come up. More than 10 years ago a different tentative map for the property was approved. Back then, the developer proposed nearly 300 homes before the recession. Now that the economy is picking back up, the Harris Ranch developer would like to make a bigger subdivision. 

The decision by the Planning Commission may be appealed to the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners. If the appeal is approved, a public hearing could be held.  

It's unknown if the developer will try to resubmit a new plan in the future to address concerns from the commissioners and the residents.

Of course we'll keep you updated on any further developments on this project.