LAS VEGAS (Oct. 19, 2016) – Last night, after nearly two hours of public testimony, the Clark County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend denial of developer Jim Rhodes’ Gypsum Resources, LLC (Gypsum) proposed high-density development in Red Rock Canyon. The Planning Commission also rescheduled a hearing on the Gypsum application by the Clark County Board of County Commission (BCC) to December 7, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.
Gypsum asked the Planning Commission to approve a concept plan that would rezone more than 2,000 acres surrounded by the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area from rural to high-density. The proposed development would include more than 5,000 homes, as well as commercial and other uses. Gypsum had attempted to fast-track approval of the sprawling project at a September 20, 2016 Planning Commission meeting; however, the Planning Commission delayed consideration for one month and required Gypsum to hold public meetings.
More than 100 community members attended the Planning Commission meeting, and dozens spoke out against the Rhodes development, including a geologist, an economist, and a gaming technology executive. Among other issues, speakers warned the Planning Commission that the proposed Gypsum Concept Plan violated the Clark County Master Plan, would create serious problems for first responders, and would result in homes sinking as underlying gypsum dissolves.
Save Red Rock (SRR) President Heather Fisher reported to the Planning Commission that in just the past month, more than 20,000 people from Nevada and across the world signed a petition in support of preserving Red Rock’s rural zoning. Mountain’s Edge HOA President Mark Leon advised the Planning Commission that 91 percent of Mountain’s Edge residents surveyed opposed the project due to serious traffic concerns. After the vote, Fisher stated: “We are so grateful to the Planning Commissioners for hearing our concerns. Their vote to preserve the character of Red Rock Canyon and recommend denial of Jim Rhodes’ sprawling development next to our national treasure was truly courageous. We will now take the fight to the Clark County Commission, where we hope that they will show the same courage in standing up for the people and for Red Rock Canyon that the Planning Commission showed last night.”
Fisher and her husband own Las Vegas Cyclery and Escape Adventures. Her group says the impact of this development extends to all Vegas Valley residents, by increasing pollution, driving up the cost of water and posing a threat to one of most majestic features of Las Vegas and its draw for tourism. It has characteristics similar to other abandoned master-planned projects, such as the failed Coyote Springs development, 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas.
Those in opposition to the proposed rezoning can email their County Commissioners and sign Save Red Rock’s petition by visiting www.SaveRedRock.com.
About Save Red Rock
Save Red Rock is a group of concerned citizens working to preserve the safety, serenity, and scenic nature of Red Rock Canyon. The group strives to protect the rural character and prioritize recreational and environmental needs over other uses not conducive to the primary uses as determined for the canyon area. For more information visit www.SaveRedRock.com or connect with Save Red Rock on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
