Carson City is in the midst of vigorous change … development surrounds us at nearly every horizon. Take, for example, development throughout the Truckee Meadows. For decades Reno has experienced vigorous growth that in many ways today translates into what planners call urban sprawl. Sprawl is born from development on bare, less expensive land just outside of developed areas and draws people to chase retail and residential into the vistas well beyond any central business district, which is typically known as a “downtown.”
The unfortunate realities of urban sprawl are many; including strains on downtown business, increased crime, inner city blight, congestion and overall pollution … naming just a few. Plus, when people no longer need to go to a central business district, to a “downtown,” and shop, play, gather, learn or work they have fewer chances to interact with anyone much different than themselves, as the effects of sprawl tend to be isolating. For more information about this national challenge check out www.smartgrowthamerica.com.
Ironically, it’s the simplicity of being able to “belong” that many people crave in their community. And urban sprawl compromises that simple opportunity because sprawl is so isolating. Did you know that of the 7,000 government employees in Carson City not ½ of them actually live in Carson City? They drive out of town every weekday evening to “belong” to another community.
But, a vibrant, livable, walkable downtown Carson City rich with arts, culture, open space, transportation connections, dining, shopping and authentic physical beauty, that all can be enjoyed without fear of overwhelming truck and car noise and traffic, will spur development of the kind of amenities those who work here but don’t live here seek.
Fortunately, citizen endorsement of the Carson City Master Plan last year make it clear our residents reject the kind of development patterns that have created the problems of urban sprawl like those described above.
Carson City citizens prefer to keep our geographic boundaries as they are, leave BLM land in tact, redevelop what we have and focus on our opportunity to restore downtown Carson City. In fact, we now have a mixed-use zoning and development code in Downtown that makes the right thing easy where homes, retail shops, restaurants and businesses can coexist. This allows for more efficient use of space, a built-in customer base and a greater quality of life.
The redevelopment of our downtown will improve access to our historic treasures, allowing residents and visitors to cherish the authentic cultural flavor of our buildings, streets, and landscapes. We will be able to convert certain areas into vital economic engines while providing increased public and traffic safety, additional open spaces, more transportation connections to other important community hubs like the college, hospital, parks, recreation centers and open spaces, increase Downtown walkability and improve opportunity for our residents to access important centers of learning, information and recreation all from downtown.
We know this make-over will not be immediate. But steps and investments are taking place to turn the visual plan into reality.
Private-public partnerships are keys to the success and we are taking the advice of financing experts to help guide our best opportunities.
It’s only been in the last ten years or so that Reno has had some success in reclaiming its downtown. Now, Wingfield Park, the Truckee River Water Park, Nevada Museum of Art, unique shopping and dining, and other attractions provide a physical “place” for Renoites to gather. The result? People are making friends all over again by sharing coffee in a park, strolling hand in hand along the river, shopping in unique boutiques, perusing the library stacks, taking in new exhibits, movies … because Reno has recreated an accessible, vibrant, cool downtown; providing ways for residents to be real. Community pride is growing.
Much of Carson City’s best hopes for a healthy, sustainable future lie within Downtown Answers. Become a part of this effort. Call my office directly at 887-2101 or sign up online from this home page.
