This commentary  was first published in January 2003.  It is in regards to plans for the Santa Maria Ranch.  In light of the current development requests relating to this property (October 2009), I thought it would be of interest to re-run it at this time.

January 2003

It is refreshing and exciting to follow the proposed development plans for the Santa Maria Ranch.

Located on 950 acres south of Highway 50 between Dayton and Mound House on the Winters’ Ranch property, the 554-lot PUD is an excellent example of planned development without excessive greed.

While most everyone who already lives in Dayton would love to see no further building of homes, this project is an example of how the community, property owners and developers can work together and be joint beneficiaries in the building frenzy that has overtaken the Dayton Valley, and may, perhaps, begin to happen in other areas of the county sooner then those residents would care to think about.

John and Kay winters have been active and supportive members of the Dayton community for many years.  Both are respected and admired for their long-time and continuing commitment to the preservation of Nevada’s natural resources, educational and health institutions, the arts, et al.  And, they are just darn nice folks!

They truly love the land they have ranched and lived on for so many years.  The realization that the time has come to relinquish their property to others is, undoubtedly, harder on them than it is to those who have enjoyed the beautiful view of this ranch as they descend Dayton Hill into the valley.

As presented to the public (by North Tahoe Investment Group) , the Santa Maria Ranch will include public neighborhood parks, walking trails along the Carson River and throughout the subdivision, preservation of existing trees.  Lot sizes will range from 9,000 square foot minimum to over 10 acres.  If a land exchange with the BLM is not successful, these larger size lots will conform to the terrain.

Taking into consideration the existing zoning (RR-1), there could be more than 900 homes on this property.  The current plan calls for 554 housing units.

Compare this to the area north of Highway 50 east of Dayton, where the existing zoning would allow between 1,000 – 2,000 homes.  The developers, with their successfully manipulated master plan now approved to their satisfaction, plan to create up to 4,800 residential lots.  (While they tell us how lucky we are they do not plan to build the full 5,600 units allowed under the master planned zoning they have personally placed into the plan.)

There are still many details to be worked out and the public should stay closely tuned to the proposal as it progresses; but, the expressed and illustrated intentions of the developers of the Santa Maria Ranch to make this a positive addition to the Dayton area are to be commended.

Think about it.

Nancy Dallas, Editor/Publisher

NewsDesk (Est. Jan. 2003)