‘Farm-To-Table’ Community Concept Good For Douglas County
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'Our Lives Changed
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by Joan E. Neuffer
The recent approval of the Farmstead at Corley Ranch has been the subject of much controversy, generating several news articles and personal letters from the residents of Douglas County.
In reality, the Farmstead project is vastly different than other mixed-use/residential real estate developments in our area. Farmstead is truly unique because it incorporates a “farm-to-table” concept and lifestyle and will be the first of its kind in Nevada.
The Farmstead vision began taking shape nearly three years ago when Jon and Paula Corley engaged Mark Neuffer of Alta Consulting to create a working concept, design and long-term plan, and to present it to Douglas County.
Mark and his team approached the challenge to find “the right place to build, and the right place to preserve” on the heels of one of the worst economic recessions in our state’s history.
On March 3, 2016, the Board of County Commissioners approved a Master Plan Amendment and a Specific Plan for the Farmstead. 1
At the conclusion of a lengthy hearing, four of the five board members agreed that the plan met the legal standard for approval under Douglas County Code and applicable state law.2
The Board members individually articulated their findings supporting the project for the record.
The Farmstead community includes 250 homes centered around a working, sustainable farm and orchard. Many other states have embraced the idea, and several successful farm-to-table communities operate in the United States.3
Indeed, the farm-to-table approach to the development of residential real estate has become what can be described as a national movement. 4
In Douglas County, residential development is controlled through a permit allocation system. This system is designed to provide for strategic growth, while at the same time, maintaining our rural character.
As evidenced by their votes, a majority of Board members believe moving forward with the Farmstead is good for our community.
In my view, the Farmstead project, while contemplating growth, provides for wise use of our
natural resources and benefits the general community.
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2016
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