Planning commissioners approve affordable housing project

A controversial affordable housing project at the entrance of an upscale Minden neighborhood is moving forward.

On Tuesday, Douglas County planning commissioners voted 5-2 to approve a major variance to waive a requirement for three recreational vehicle parking spaces for the 21-unit multifamily housing development located on Mahogany Drive at the entrance of the Westwood subdivision.

"Workforce housing is desperately needed," said Vice Chair Rick Ross. "Losing three RV spaces to get workforce housing is a good trade-off for me."

Planning commissioners JoEtta Brown and Jim Madsen voted against the variance.

Madsen said the development needs at least one RV space.

"I'm having a little trouble choking down the fact of eliminating all of them," he said. "What if people come to visit? I think at least one space needs to be provided."

Brown had issue more with the location of the project.

"I know Douglas County needs affordable housing projects, but this is in the wrong location," she said. "It's next to the high school and there will be a lot of noise."

The 1.4-acre site abuts the south end of the Douglas High School football field and sits across the street from the Carson Valley Swim Center and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house.

The project, which is scheduled to begin in March, would include a three-story and two-story building totaling eight two-bedroom units and 13 three-bedroom units.