“The Canyons” development is 80 acres up the hill from Palisades (to the east) in Damonte Ranch. The “Canyon’s Edge” development is the next 80 acre parcel further east up the hillside. It is all on a steep slope; mostly 30% or greater slope which is normally considered unbuildable. The developer, James Dolan (Six Development, Virginia 40S), has requested a land use change (from Unincorporated Transition to Large Lot residential) for Canyon’s Edge.
A requested land use change (from Unincorporated Transition to Large Lot residential) for Canyon’s Edge will be heard at the Planning Commission. Dolan wants to divide the 80 acres into 8 skinny, 10-acre parcels running west to east with the homes for each built on the western edge of the properties. This is the foot of the steep slope. Essentially the rest of the land making up the lots are not buildable due to the slopes.
Note that Dolan, 6 Development, and Virginia 40s own over 30 40-acre parcels on the hills east of Damonte Ranch.
Area residents are especially concerned about the impact this development will have on the wild horse herds that live in the Virginia Foothills. The Canyon’s Edge development will disrupt a migration pattern that wild horses presently use to access water. Concerned residents are asking the developer to provide a water source for horses so they do not traverse the new development or the Canyon’s development which is planned next.
Washoe Residents for Appropriate Planning 