EDITORIAL: Houses on the hilltop

Seems like old times out at Blue Diamond Hill. For the third go-round since 2003, developer Jim Rhodes seeks government approval to locate a residential development on the butte overlooking Red Rock Canyon west of Las Vegas.

His previous two efforts were marked by controversy and protests — and even prompted special legislation in Carson City and calls for federal intervention.

Mr. Rhodes bought the 2,100 acres more than 13 years ago when it was home to a gypsum mine. He sought to build 5,500 high-end homes on the land, but faced opposition from environmentalists and area residents while also running into difficulties with the county because he requested a zoning change to allow for higher residential density.

More homes, more profits.

But his plan eventually died after Clark County and state lawmakers imposed additional land-use restrictions on the property intended to block the development. In response, Mr. Rhodes successfully sued both the county and state.

In 2011, amid the region’s housing crisis, Mr. Rhodes revived his idea. This time, county commissioners voted 5-2 to approve the project, which had been scaled back to 4,700 homes and included some commercial development. But protesters again got in the way. County officials eventually tried to broker a land swap between Mr. Rhodes and the BLM, but negotiations broke off two years ago in part because the agency wasn’t interested in acquiring land scarred by decades of mining activity.

So here comes the persistent Mr. Rhodes for a third time. His latest proposal — which now features 5,025 homes — includes a handful of concessions sought by commissioners, such as a limited number of residences on the outer ring of the development. But some folks in the nearby town of Blue Diamond remain unsatisfied.

“This is probably one of the most magnificent conservation areas in the United States,” said resident Evan Blythin. “You put 5,000, 7,000 homes up there and you have changed the animal.”

The fact is, however, the property is located outside the “buffer zone” designed to protect Red Rock from encroaching development. Mr. Rhodes owns the land. As we have argued on more than one occasion, he should be free to develop it in accordance with the existing zoning and planning rules. Likewise, those who oppose the project can either work with the developer to mitigate their concerns or offer to purchase the property themselves.

The County Commission will address the issue in October. But barring some new twist, commissioners have little choice but to push the green button. At that point, we’ll find out if Mr. Rhodes can actually deliver on his vision.