On March 31st 200 people gathered to question the proposed plans of developer Jim Rhodes to build a residential community on the former James Hardy Gypsum mine. It would be an amazing location to live right next to Red Rock Canyon, but should it be home to desert reptiles or people? The event was held at the Blue Diamond community center and most attendees were opposed the so called Blue Diamond Hill development.
The land owned by Jim Rhodes borders the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and is a massive 1,700 acre parcel that extends from the scenic loop down to Blue Diamond. Under legal advice the Clark County Commission introduced a code to allow Jim Rhodes to develop the land as the county wanted to avoid the case going to federal court, but the attendees at the meeting were not convinced that this was the best approach.
Under the agreement Rhodes has the right to apply for 700 acres at a time, and each 700 acres would be reviewed as a major project by the county. Rhodes has agreed to build roads into the subdivision from the east, rather than from the Route 159 which loops through Red Rock Canyon.
Despite the protests of neighboring Blue Diamond residents it looks as though Jim Rhodes may finally be getting somewhere with his project.