Carson City supervisors forward one residential project, delay another

The Board of Supervisors on Thursday moved one residential project forward and delayed another.

The board approved a request for proposal for an affordable housing project on 6.31 acres owned by Carson City on Butti Way. The project is expected to be a multifamily development with up to 160 units.

The city is seeking developers to build the project that would provide an unspecified number of units for tenants at or below 30, 60, and 80 percent of area median income.

Stephanie Hicks, real property manager, said the RFP leaves it open because a number of market-rate units may be needed to make the project viable.

The city has already conducted an environmental assessment and had an appraisal done. The property appraised at $755,000.

The RFP also leaves open whether the property will be sold, leased or donated to the developer.

Hicks said staff is recommending a development agreement between the city and the approved developer and Supervisor Lori Bagwell requested the agreement include deadlines.

“We’re probably looking at one or two years for the project anyway, let’s not make it five years,” said Bagwell.

Supervisor Stacey Giomi also wanted the agreement to include a provision that ensures the land reverts back to the city in the event the project falls through.

Two potential bidders spoke during public comment.

“Our board members have reviewed the RFP and think it’s a good piece of work and urge the board to adopt it,” said Ed Schnabel, president, Carson City Veterans Village. “And, of course, we’re interested.”

A representative from Nevada Rural Housing Authority also spoke asking to clarify some details of the RFP.

The RFP is set to be issued next week with an Oct. 24 deadline to respond. Staff will bring back the top three submissions for the supervisors to choose from to award the project at the second November board meeting.

The board also tabled final map approval for Schulz Ranch Phase 4 over a drainage issue still lingering from Phase 3.

Lennar Corp., the builder, secured easements from individual homeowners to build the drainage system. The system was nearly completed when the South Meadows Homeowners Association sent a cease and desist letter because the easements needed approval from the HOA.

Lennar has been working with HOA since then and next week the association is scheduled to meet to approve the easements.

“Why can’t we wait?” said Giomi, to approve the final map until after the easement issue is resolved.

In the case the easements are not approved, Lennar has an alternative plan for the drainage system, but the city’s engineers have not reviewed the design documents.

The board voted 4-0 to table the item to the next meeting. Mayor Bob Crowell left in the middle of the meeting to attend a meeting of the Nevada League of Cities, of which he is president.

The supervisors also approved $20,000 for the drafting of a master plan for Fuji Park; $12,000 for new signage at Mills Park; reappointed Lou Ann Speulda-Drews, Gregory Hayes, and Jed Block to the Historic Resources Commission; and appointed Nancy Paulson, city manager, acting public guardian.