Back in 2005 developer Jim Rhodes announced plans to develop 5,000 Red Rock homes on the former James Hardy Gypsum mine. The plans were shot down by environmentalists because of the mesa’s proximity to Red Rock Canyon, but now the Clark County Commission has given the green light for the development to get going. What has changed?
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. Despite $400m in liabilities, and filing for bankruptcy, Rhodes is pushing forward with his project. As older high-end communities such as Spanish Trail age, there is demand for more contemporary product.
Under legal advice the Clark County Commission introduced a code to allow Jim Rhodes to develop the land. It seems that the county wanted to avoid the case going to federal court, and seeing its 2003 code barring developments and intrude visually on Red Rock being challenged. Rhodes had been claiming that the code was unconstitutional, and was due to present his case in Federal court in May. By reaching an agreement at this stage the country has adverted the possibility of Rhodes being able to proceed with high-density housing. The county’s decision means that 700 acres of the land, including that right next to Red Rock will remain vacant.
One would think that any discussion about development would be welcome in today’s Las Vegas real estate market, but in this case there are many folks that would rather see the natural environment preserved. We certainly haven’t heard the last of the controversy surrounding these Red Rock homes.
