The Reno City Council has approved development plans that could bring as many as 5,000 new housing units to an area north of the city suffering from a severe housing shortage.
The council voted 6-1 Wednesday night to amend the city's master plan for the StoneGate master-planned community covering more than 2 square miles in Cold Springs about 15 miles north of Reno.
Councilwoman Jenny Brekhus cast the lone dissenting vote. She cited concerns raised by local citizens worried about increased traffic, as well as increased demands on water supplies, stormwater infrastructure, police and fire officials.
Mayor Hillary Schieve has been a leading backer of the project in the works for years. She says it's an important step toward addressing the city's lack of affordable housing.
