In its Council Highlights press release from yesterday, the City of Reno said it had “adopted the resolution to designate all land that is owned, operated, or is within the City of Reno right-of-way along the Truckee River corridor between Booth Street and S. Virginia Street as a City of Reno park to provide for consistency in maintenance,
enhanced user experience, and regulation. Connecting the Truckee River frontage and path from Booth Street to South Virginia Street to provide the opportunity for a contiguous connection to the iconic part of Reno’s downtown.”
It also approved “the Truckee River Vision Plan by Dig Studio directing staff to pursue project opportunities outlined in the implementation plan including key recommendations for land use and design, mobility and connectivity, parks and open space, public art, and safety water, & ecological systems. The overarching scope of the plan conducted a comprehensive analysis of the Truckee River corridor and surrounding areas in unincorporated Washoe County and the City of Reno, extending from the California state line to the border of Sparks, Nevada, and collaborated closely with City of Reno staff, stakeholders, and the public. Staff will bring identified projects to forward when actions can be taken.“
That’s a lot words for us that seem to indicate plans are afoot to gentrify the surroundings of the Truckee River and make the area less welcoming to those without stable shelter. It seems to be turning some public sidwalks into parks patrolled by river rangers.
Looking into some of the details there’s plans to create a so-called “Truckee River Overlay Zone District” with unclear outlooks such as “sections and planning details that set enforceable standards for Building Form and Mass.”
That wording and the use of the term District does not sound like an organic neighborhood and public river path which feels welcoming to all income brackets. What are your own thoughts on these developments?
Our Town Reno Citizen’s Forum, September 26, 2024
