Douglas County commissioners unanimously approved another milestone for the Buckeye Farms development Thursday, voting to annex approximately 149.7 acres into the Town of Minden to allow the project's first neighborhood to move forward.
According to town staff, the annexation has long been anticipated as part of the development agreement between Douglas County and Park Cattle. The property includes Buckeye Farms Neighborhood One, a planned subdivision of approximately 324 homes located north of Buckeye Road, east of the Montrêux subdivision, with designated open space along Muller Parkway.
Staff explained that bringing the property into Minden's boundaries creates a more contiguous town boundary and is necessary to provide municipal services, including water.
Commissioners cite existing development agreement
Although the vote was unanimous, commissioners acknowledged that the decision was influenced by commitments made years ago.
Commissioner Wes Hails asked whether the county had an obligation under the existing development agreement before casting his vote. In response, the Douglas County District Attorney's Office said the agreement grants Park Ranch Holdings vested development rights that contemplate annexation so the project can receive necessary public facilities.
Hails said he supported the annexation because he believes the county has an obligation to honor prior agreements and avoid additional litigation, even if he is not enthusiastic about the situation.
"While I don't love this situation that we're in, it was a previous commission that got us here, and I don't wish to complicate it further."
Public opposition remains
The annexation also drew criticism during public comment.
Resident Jim Slade argued the request conflicts with the Minden-Gardnerville Plan for Prosperity and said Buckeye Farms represents growth that many residents have opposed for years. He referenced the larger Park Ranch/Buckeye Ranch vision—previously approved with up to 2,500 homes—and urged commissioners not to advance what he described as an unpopular development.
Why this matters
While Thursday's vote does not approve a new subdivision, it clears another administrative step needed to implement a development that was approved previously. The annexation allows the first Buckeye Farms neighborhood to move forward under Minden's jurisdiction as planned.
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