Planners give OK to rezone blighted trailer park to multiple family residences

Plans to transform a blighted mobile home park into a townhome community were approved by the Boulder City Planning Commission on Sept. 21.

Planners voted unanimously, with Chairman Jim Giannosa excusing himself because of a conflict of interest, to recommend changing the zoning of the 7.33 acres at 1501 Nevada Highway from mobile home park to multifamily residential.

The property was purchased out of bankruptcy in November by Randy Schams, president of RPS Homes. His plan is to build affordable residences.

Jackie Schams, manager of the mobile home park, said they envision building 19 single-story townhomes, with four units per building. Currently, the park has allotments for 91 residential mobile homes and trailers.

Since taking ownership of the property, the Schams have focused on cleaning up the mobile home park, which was often the site of drug and crime issues.

“I’ve seen a lot of things I never planned to see,” Jackie Schams said describing the drug dealers she has had to evict. “It’s been an emotional process.”

“There is a significant reduction in calls for service since Schams took control,” Police Chief Tim Shea said.

Jan Rowe, who lives across the street from the mobile home park on Cedar Drive, said she supported the plan to build new residences.

“I’m glad to see it cleaned up and would like to see residential (zoning),” she said. “Going residential would be very beneficial to the city.”

Before their vote, commissioners discussed the possibility of rezoning the parcel for commercial use. However, because there is no direct access to the land from Nevada Highway, they ruled it out.

After hearing about the plans for the townhomes, commissioners Steve Walton, Fritz McDonald and Paul Matuska brought up issues such as concrete block walls, setbacks and landscaping, but ultimately realized these topics would be addressed when specific plans for the property are submitted.

Rowe also brought up the block walls as well as concerns about children’s safety and a school bus zone. She said she would like to see a small park inside the community for children to play in.

The resolution to change the zoning now moves to the City Council, where it will be introduced Oct. 11 and up for discussion during a public hearing and vote on Oct. 25.

Also during the meeting, planners approved a conditional use permit to Layla and Travis Sabin for a shaved ice food trailer at 443 Nevada Way.

Hali Bernstein Saylor is editor of the Boulder City Review. She can be reached at hsaylor@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9523. Follow @HalisComment on Twitter.