Comstock mining delays, continues Planning Commisson hearing to Dec. 10, 2013.

On Nov. 12th Comstock Mining asked Lyon County Planners for a continuance on their Master Plan and Zoning Change application for the Dayton Consolidated Mill site properties in Silver City.

Silver City residents filled the room at the Lyon County commission ready to present their opposition to the proposed application for a Lyon County Master Plan and a Zoning Change.

Mark Rotter of Manhard Consultants has been hired by Comstock Mining to manage the application proceedings on their behalf. After hearing four scheduled items it was Comstock Mining’s turn and Mr. Rotter stepped up to the podium and explained how the applicant, Comstock Mining was not prepared and did not have time to respond to the Lyon County staff report they received on the previous Friday. The staff report concluded that Lyon County saw the application as inconsistent with the Lyon County Master Plan. It stressed that any amendments to the Master Plan and subsequent Zoning should suit the town of Silver City and the comprehensive land use stated in the Master Plan.
The staff report recommended that the Planning Commission deny the application.

Mr. Rotter stated that Comstock Mining felt that they did not have enough time to respond to the staff report and asked for a continuance. Jeff Page, Lyon County Manager approached the board and explained that he had no problems with issuing a continuance.

As the Planning Commission discussed the option to continue the hearing, Gayle Sherman of Silver City stood up to speak and explained that “Silver City is ready” to present their position and that there should be no reason to continue the hearing. CMI has already provided a 45 page report to the Planning Board and all pertinent information should be in their application. Gayle then asked all Silver City residents attending the meeting stand up and show their solidarity. Nearly all seats emptied as the residents stood up to be seen by the Planning Board. Silver City residents were quick to comment on the continuance, one resident asked for the commission to change the venue to Dayton for next meeting. The Planning Board stated that the application was one the most controversial issues the board has heard in a long time and to ensure proper recording the Yerington facility was deemed necessary.

John Marshall, an attorney working for Silver City residents asked that if continued the next planning board meeting have a set time scheduled for hearing the application at the next meeting. Planning board chair, Chuck Davies noted that he had been “ready for the big game” and was hoping to receive Comstock Mining’s presentation, and then adding that it was customary for the board to grant an applicant a continuance on the merit that the board prefers to hear well prepared presentations. The Planning Board then voted 6-0 to continue the application hearing for 30 days. The Lyon County Commissioners will make the final decision on the application in their January 2014 meeting. Three Lyon County Commissioners were in attendance at the meeting. Silver City residents are likely to fill the room again in the coming Planning Board and Commissioner meetings in Yerington.

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