Mixed-use zones planned for Gardnerville's prosperity

GARDNERVILLE - A series of mixed-use commercial centers complete with pedestrian-friendly walkways and residential zones would be connected by Highway 395, the route intermittently lined with trees in Gardnerville's Plan for Prosperity.

The concept for the future, created by residents and town consultant Bruce Race, was presented to members of the Gardnerville Town Board last week.

The plan includes commercial frontage for neighborhood centers, without the big-box stores.

"Big-box stores have traffic implications the community may want to think twice about," Race said. "We'd be building neighborhoods with separate identities, the type residents want to see here in the future."

Building a more economically viable and pedestrian-friendly commercial district is important to the concept, which includes parking, wide sidewalks, residential areas and features along Highway 395 to "calm" traffic.

In general, Gardnerville Town Board members agreed with the concepts, but some expressed concerns.

"Plans are like daydreams," Chairman Tom Cook said. "They look and sound good, but if a property owner wants to do something else, we have a fight."

Working with developers, property and business owners and county officials is critical to the process, Race said.

"This isn't a specific plan, but a way of conveying your expectations," he said.

The plan defines a series of sites along Highway 395, highlights of which include:

• Old Town should become a cultural destination, a mixed-use community center serving residents and visitors. The plan includes preserved historic buildings and compatible new structures.

• Investment in Old Town should enhance pedestrian access, calm and slow traffic, and provide convenient parking.

• Commercial uses, including retail, office and hotels, were considered the most desirable by the community for the "S" Curve, where historic Main Street met Douglas Avenue.

• New investment should resolve roadway safety issues and enhance pedestrian connections to adjacent neighborhoods. New development should incorporate historic buildings, hide parking, and make an aesthetic connection to Old Town.

The concepts will be further defined in a report by Race to be submitted to the Town Board in December.

County commissioners won't review the plans until July, Cook said.

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