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Developers present Snow River Resort master plan; council agrees to start sale process for 491.63‑acre parcel
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Summary
H2O Entertainment outlined plans for an indoor water‑park resort, 200 townhomes, apartments and supporting amenities on 491.63 acres; council passed a charter‑required resolution to open the sale process but did not approve the project. Residents raised concerns about water, infrastructure and enforceable milestones.
H2O Entertainment representatives presented a conceptual master plan on Jan. 27 for a destination‑style development called Snow River Resort on roughly 491.63 acres of city‑owned land (APN 002‑123‑01‑011).
Presenter Brad LeBaron described an indoor 200,000‑square‑foot water park (branded Bondi Beach), a hotel, casino, 24 indoor pickleball courts, an event center, 200 vacation‑rental townhomes and 400 apartment units. The firm said the feasibility work projects about 992 jobs when fully built and described phased financing that would include presales of townhomes and private partners.
Council voted earlier in the meeting to adopt Resolution R26‑001 — a charter‑required step that simply authorizes the city to consider selling the parcel for economic development. City staff and the city attorney emphasized the resolution does not name a buyer or obligate a sale; it “opens the door” for later offers, appraisals and negotiated terms. The vote approved the technical resolution and acceptance of the H2O presentation only.
The presentation prompted extensive public comment. Residents and council members pressed the developer on water supply, desalination and environmental impacts. A council member asked whether the project’s plan to truck saltwater and use desalination had been vetted; LeBaron said the concept relies on trucking ocean water, onsite treatment and gray‑water reuse and noted a feasibility study and potential private financing partners. Council members and several speakers requested written proof of funding commitments and environmental and infrastructure impact studies before any binding approval.
Supporters said the project could deliver jobs and activities for local youth. Opponents warned Mesquite risks strained water, sewer and power systems, higher housing costs and traffic; several speakers asked that any sale include enforceable performance milestones or reversion clauses to protect the city if the project stalls. City staff told council the city can include contractual protections for job creation or capital improvements and can require deed clauses that “run with the land.”
The council also heard a competing, smaller proposal from Nevada Residential Construction to buy a 96‑acre portion of the same parcel for single‑family housing; that presentation was accepted for future consideration.
What’s next: The resolution R26‑001 authorizes the formal process to consider selling the 491.63‑acre parcel. Any sale, site plan or phase of Snow River Resort would require separate approvals, public hearings, environmental and infrastructure review, and negotiated contract terms that council said should include enforceable milestones and protections for the city.
