'The Canyons' proposed development in south Reno is moving forward after the city council approved a tentative 71-lot map over nearly 30-acres of residential zoned land.
The project also provides about 59 acres of open space, in the foothills of Damonte Canyon.Â
Before this week's meeting, some residents told us that they were not happy about the proposed development.
"I enjoy early morning hikes up to the canyon. Where I can be among vegetation that's never been disturbed. It's like living in complete harmony. I love to observe the wild horses," said local resident Valerie Truce.
She isn't horsing around when it comes to the natural balance of the Damonte Canyon. She doesn't want it disturbed. "It gives your mind time to rest from all of the chatter that goes on around us all the time," said Truce.
Homes will be clustered together to stay away from the high ridges. "We're running out of easy-to-develop land. So development is pushing to move up higher on the hill, into wetter places, and less desirable places that haven't been developed yet up to now," said Reno City Council Member Naomi Duerr.
Several Reno City Council members visited the site to do research, one week before their meeting to discuss it. "There's a drainage ditch here, that's pretty important. Flood waters come down. The location is also very important historically and culturally," said Duerr.
"The development location has a neighborhood beneath it that is already struggling with overcrowded schools and traffic concerns," said Truce. "We want to keep the people who live here safe and the horses safe. There's also the issue of if the roads should be public or private. There's a lot of rock-fall that comes down here," said Duerr. There is, however, a housing shortage in the area, which council members addressed.Â
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