The Reno City Council approved the transfer of an alleyway to the Reno Housing Authority to develop affordable housing.
The alley is located between Reno Avenue and Taylor Street near the Mount Rose Elementary School. The RHA owns the parcels surrounding the alley. The alley could be used, in connection with the nearby parcels, to develop up to 45 units of affordable housing.
Jeff Foster with the RHA stated the Authority could have already used a local parcel to develop 19 units of affordable housing. The Authority was eligible to bypass the public review process by directly receiving a building permit.
With the abandonment of the alley, the RHA will be able to consider more units and additional amenities. The Aug. 13 meeting featured a public comment period in which opponents discussed neighborhood character, the increase in traffic, parking limitations and a high density for a small space.
The RHA intends to hold a second neighborhood meeting to provide more information as the design begins to solidify. (Source)