Developer Requests Rezone On Division Harlan Douglass Wants Space For Retail Shopping

A representative for developer Harlan Douglass asked the city hearing examiner for permission to build on the last big piece of undeveloped land on North Division.

The property is located on the east side of Division Street between Lincoln and Magnesium Road.

Douglass wants to rezone his 13-acre property at 8330 N. Division. He wants to build 100,000 square feet of space for retail shopping.

The land is currently zoned for apartments or other multifamily residential units.

“Growth has increased the retail demand,” said Jim Frank of Ramm Associates, which is representing Douglass.

Frank said the potential sales tax generated by the complex for the city could be between $200,000 and $500,000 per year.

“This is essentially the last in-fill piece on North Division,” he said.

But if Sandy Smith had her way, that last piece of dirt would stay that way.

A member of the Nevada-Lidgerwood Neighborhood Council, Smith expressed doubts about the configuration of the entrance to the proposed shopping center.

Only vehicles traveling north on Division would be able to access the shopping center through just one entrance, according to Frank.

A right-turn lane would be created for cars seeking access to the shopping center.

However, Frank said Douglass owns the adjoining piece of property to the south. Later, he said, another entryway to that site would most likely be created, helping to improve traffic flow.

But until that happened, Smith said, an already congested street would become even more packed.

Smith finally got frustrated and asked Frank, “Does he care about it (the traffic issues)?”

Frank answered with an adamant yes. If traffic is a problem and the shopping center is difficult to reach, then the whole venture is for naught, he said.

For now, site development plans haven’t been submitted by Douglass’ attorneys.

A decision on the rezone is expected in about a week.