Originally published by Staff, 8 News Now
Posted: Feb 22, 2017 / 09:36 AM PST / Updated: Feb 22, 2017 / 10:40 PM PST
After more than a decade of community and legal battles, county commissioners are again considering a prominent Las Vegas developer’s plan to build more than 5,000 homes on property he owns on a hill within eyesight of a popular and scenic national recreation area.
At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Wednesday the board voted 5-2 in favor of withdrawing the motion for the 2016 plan without prejudice because the 2011 plan was already in place.
So what does this mean? It means the 2011 plan for continuous talks about developing the land will move forward.
Builder Jim Rhodes’ plans to build homes, schools and stores on more than 3 square miles of former gypsum mine on Blue Diamond Hill. The site is across a state highway from Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area, about 20 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip.
The battle pits the interests of development against conservation.
It wound through court to the seven-member elected body after county planners in October unanimously recommended denial.
