Tuesday, May 13, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
Panel passes Red Rock development bill
REVIEW-JOURNAL CAPITAL BUREAU
CARSON CITY -- A bill designed to protect the scenic values of Red Rock Canyon by limiting nearby development was approved by an Assembly panel Monday, leaving one vote before the measure heads to Gov. Kenny Guinn's desk.
The "do pass" recommendation by the Government Affairs Committee sends Senate Bill 358 to the full Assembly for a final vote in the next several days.
"I was delighted," said Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, who authored the bill.
The committee vote came just two days after a hearing in Las Vegas where developer Jim Rhodes brought in hundreds of supporters in favor of his development plans near Red Rock Canyon.
The bill would prohibit denser development on Rhodes' 2,400 acres, as well as on nearby private property, by freezing zoning to one home on every two acres.
Rhodes, developer of Rhodes Ranch, wants to build up to 5,500 homes atop Blue Diamond Hill.
Guinn has not said whether he will sign the bill but has indicated his support for preserving the beauty of Red Rock Canyon.
