Debate for master plan revisions scheduled

Growth, population density, open space and more will be the topics at a special forum, sponsored by the Good Government Group of Douglas County. The public is invited and residents will be expressing concerns about proposed revisions in Douglas County's master plan Wednesday, from 6-8 p.m. at the Carson Valley Inn.

Jeanne Shizuru of the Good Government Group said she felt the master plan revision was progressing well until she read the draft.

"I didn't like the density increases," she said. "I don't remember going to any meeting where they said, 'let's increase the density in multi-family zoning.' Did they actually talk to any citizens?"

Deputy District Attorney Tom Perkins said the information was released for review.

"It's a good process," he said. "It gives people a chance to read and talk about the issues before anyone has a chance to vote on it."

John Garvin, co-chair of the Sustainable Growth Initiative Committee, said the county hasn't touched on the growth management element with respect to a building allocation system.

"Perhaps the commissioners will deal with that issue directly, but that is my concern," he said. "There has been no definitive discussion at the consultant level on the growth issue."

With respect to a growth cap, Douglas County's development code is the implementing ordinance, but it must rely on master plan policy.

There are two ways of determining a growth cap. One supports the 2-3 percent figure the Supreme Court has upheld. The other philosophy states that figure should be based on objective data derived from mitigating issues like water, traffic and infrastructure, Garvin said.

"We believe the number can be predicated on the community's desire to slow down the growth rate," Garvin said. "That's what the Supreme Court affirmed, but we don't know what the final product of the draft update will be until it is adopted by the planning commission."

Doubling densities in receiving areas and a transfer development rights program that seems to favor developers are other areas of concern, Garvin said. Approved in 1996, the master plan is a comprehensive document that addresses these issues and more.

It is flexible and these periodic revisions are designed to include public input through workshops, surveys, interviews and meetings to gauge public opinion.

Design Workshops, a consulting firm hired by the county to assist in the master plan's 10-year revision, conducted their own series of stakeholder meetings and discussed concepts at length with county officials.

A revised draft will be submitted to the Douglas County Planning Commission Nov. 14 and 15. The final draft should reach Douglas County commissioners by December.

n Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.

What: Debates concerning proposed 2006 master plan revisions

When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Waterford Room at the Carson Valley Inn, 1627 Highway 395 in Minden