Whether growth was termed "smart," "sustainable" or "green," residents at a Friday meeting expressed their concerns that Reno is growing too quickly and using up too many natural resources, especially water.

A panel discussion at Patagonia in northwest Reno drew about 50 residents to discuss projects as wide-ranging as the Flying J truck stop proposed for Robb Drive and Interstate 80 and the 12,000-unit Spring Mountain project planned for Winnemucca Ranch near Pyramid Lake.

"How we've been going is disastrous," said Bob Fulkerson, executive director of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada. He praised Reno officials for their work in bringing housing to downtown Reno but said local governments still have a lot to learn.

Fulkerson said the existing water resources in Washoe County only can serve 600,000 people, but the master plan allows for a population of twice that amount.

Spring Mountain divides

Organized by University of Nevada, Reno professor Scott Slovic, the discussion became most intense when Ralph Durham, a friend of the Spring Mountain developers, defended the project.

"If we're not growing, we're contracting," he told the group. Durham explained that the Winnemucca Ranch project would include several villages with clustered housing that would leave plenty of open space for the public to enjoy.

Several residents suggested that the project would be better created as its own town rather than annexed to the city of Reno, as the developer had first proposed.

Erik Holland, with Voters for Responsible Growth, said the Spring Mountain development conflicts with the idea of concentrating growth close to existing development.

"Unless some sanity prevails, it will be paved with 12,000 homes," he said.

There also was concern about the cost of providing police, fire and other services to Spring Mountain, which is about 30 miles north of downtown Reno.

One person asked whether the city could buy the land and keep it as open space.

"It's conceivable that the city would save more money by buying the land than they'll spend on getting services out there," said John Tull, conservation director with the Nevada Wilderness Project.