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Steve Marcus
Entertainer Wayne Newton and his wife Kathleen greet guests before a meeting at the La Quinta Inn Monday, September 20, 2010. Newton hosted the neighborhood meeting to discuss development plans that would include tours on his property.
Published Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010 | 12:39 a.m.
Updated Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010 | 9:09 a.m.
M.J. Harvey, chair of the Paradise Town Board, asks a question during a meeting at the La Quinta Inn Monday, September 20, 2010. Wayne Newton's representative Jay Brown listens at left. Newton hosted the neighborhood meeting to discuss development plans that would include tours on his property.
Homeowner Sam Mandell gets applause for his comments during a meeting at the La Quinta Inn Monday, September 20, 2010. Entertainer Wayne Newton hosted the neighborhood meeting to discuss development plans that would include tours on his property.
Entertainer Wayne Newton and his wife Kathleen listen to homeowner's concerns during a meeting at the La Quinta Inn Monday, September 20, 2010. Newton hosted the neighborhood meeting to discuss development plans that would include tours on his property.
Kathleen Newton gives a back rub to her husband during a meeting at the La Quinta Inn Monday, September 20, 2010. Entertainer Wayne Newton hosted the neighborhood meeting to discuss development plans that would include tours on his property.
Pity the jet.
It's Wayne Newton's jet, a luckless Fokker if there ever was one. The full make and model of the plane is a Fokker F-28, actually, and it is parked just inside the walls of Wayne Newton's Casa de Shenandoah ranch.
The tail of the partially disassembled aircraft peeks above the fence, even.
It's become something of a symbol, this mysterious Fokker, for the intrigue it has sparked from behind the gates of "The Ranch."
What's happening back there? Is the plane actually rotting away like an old, discarded toy, having been held in a Detroit-area storage hanger for more three years since its last takeoff? Is it to be part of a greater themed attraction? Might it be refashioned into a giant plaything for the kids?
"It's called the junk airplane ... and it had to be moved from Detroit, where I saw what condition it was in," Newton explained to what might have been his most unusual capacity-crowd performance in a 50-year career, in front of a group of about 200 neighbors who assembled at La Quinta Inn on Surrey Street and Sunset Roads. "All of the avionics had been stolen, so we brought it out to our home. It is still a beautiful plane, but it will be surrounded by trees."
That was just one of the specific explanations given by Newton and others in his camp appearing before multitudes of residents who live in the mostly upscale area near Casa de Shenandoah.
These nametag-wearing people were greeted by Newton himself at the entrance of the conference room. Those who reside in the famous neighborhood have been justifiably concerned about the quality of their lives after it was reported by the Sun's Joe Schoenmann that something far more elaborate than ranch living was in Newton's long-term plans for Shenandoah.
Though Newton disputed some of what has been reported about the project (especially the concept that it would be called Graceland West), he did for the first time in a public forum detail what he has planned with his friend and developer Steve Kennedy, managing partner of the development company CSD Management LLC.
What Mr. Las Vegas has in mind, with a financial investment from Kennedy:
• A museum and theater that would sit across Sunset Road from Shenandoah, on the property the now-latent Napa Valley Pottery & Floral store occupies. Kennedy's company bought up that darkened 10-acre parcel for a reported $10 million. Newton said the theater itself will seat around 600, likely be called the Wayne Newton Theater and be designed in the spirit of the old Copa Room at the Sands. And, he said, he will be its primary headliner.
The museum would be a far more expansive version of Newton's "Red Room," which is where Newton keeps some of his mementos and artifacts collected over the years. Newton has stored far more of these photos, trophies and plaques over the years, and wants the museum to be an ode to Vegas, not just an ode to Wayne Newton.
• Regular shuttle tours of Shenandoah itself, giving visitors a chance to see all of the wildlife within, including Newton's African penguins, peacocks, and 70-plus Arabian horses.
Contrary to Clark County records noted in the earlier Sun story, Newton also said he has not sold Shenandoah to Kennedy or anyone else. Kennedy is instead referred to as a "partner" in the next phase of Shenandoah. "We have not sold Shenandoah. It is our home and will always be our home," said Newton, who built Shenandoah in 1965 as a home for his parents and his brother, Jerry.
Newton says the attractions and tour all might be in place in a year, likely not sooner. But there is a lot of work to do, beginning with a traffic study of the neighborhood to submit to the Clark County Commission when he and Kennedy turn in final plans for the project. That process could be finished in two months.
What was made evident during the La QuintaFest presentation — and Commissioner Steve Sisolak was one interested party in attendance — that Newton needs not seek any rezoning approval from the Clark County Commission. The parcel across the road from Shenandoah already is zoned for commercial use — for evidence, look to the east of the Napa Valley building, on the northwest corner of Sunset and Pecos, where a Shell station, Roberto's Taco Shop and Tire Works outpost anchor a little strip mall that would abut the Newton project.
The real problem the majority of attendees at Monday night's meeting have with the project is the shuttling of a still-undisclosed number of Wayniacs down the western entrance of Shenandoah along Tomiyasu Lane.
Ritzy, gated subdivisions sit on that lane. Though most of those homes sit south of the Shenandoah gate where shuttles would be transporting tourists through the Newton estate, many residents spoke out against that very possibility at Monday's meeting. When Kennedy noted that small buses would be driving along Tomiyasu and entering on the west side of the property, a groan went up as residents envisioned dozens of buses each day entering the north entrance of that road.
As one homeowner told Newton representative Jay Brown of Brown & Partners, "I invested $9 million in my home. I don't want to live next to a museum."
Another asked Brown, who handled most of the 2.5-hour give-and-take with the audience after Newton's opening remarks, how many customers the attraction expected to draw each day. That figure is crucial for those who live in the neighborhood, who are eager to know how many buses are going to cross Sunset into the Shenandoah property.
"Is it 50?" the resident asked. "Is it 5,000?"
"I think it would be higher than 50," Brown said. "I think it would be less than 5,000."
"So, between 50 and 5,000?" the seeming exasperated questioner asked.
"I would think so," Brown said, to sarcastic chuckling.
In fact there is no answer, yet, to what type of visitation numbers Newton's project will draw daily or annually. The hours are said to be "during daylight," which also did little to appease the crowd, which was at times impatient but far from unruly. When a questioner asked for a show of hands of those who supported the project, none went up.
When he asked for those who opposed it, the vote was a landslide for "no."
Then, directing his comment apparently in the direction of Sisolak, he said, "And these are voters."
Problem is, there is not a lot residents can do to prevent this proposal from becoming reality. The commercial development in Newton's plans is the parcel across from Shenandoah, which already is zoned for such. That's where the theater and museum will be located, and where ticketed customers will board buses for the tour of the ranch across Sunset.
The 38-acre Shenandoah estate itself is rural neighborhood preservation area, where all that is required for such tours is a special-use permit issued by the county. Sisolak said after the meeting a use permit for the project could be easily approved, but understood the residents' concerns.
"It's for commercial use, but it's not a commercial project," Sisolak said, referring to the paid tours of Shenandoah. But Sisolak, and those in the Newton camp, were more amenable to closing — or, specifically, gating off — Tomiyasu Lane.
That would help prevent the Red Rose Speedway effect on the road now, which is used by heavy-footed commuters as an alternative to the busier Pecos Road. Those streets run parallel to each other.
When it was put to Sisolak that Tomiyasu is to Pecos as Industrial Road is to the Strip, he responded, "Exactly."
And who would pay for that gate? Who do you think?
The same guy who paid for the jet.
More from La Quinta
Among Newton's plans are an upcoming film called "Numbah One," in which he portrays one of the FBI's 10 most-wanted criminals. He's in the top four. Also tabbed for the film: Joe Pesci, Paul Sorvino and Tracy Morgan. ... Newton said he's not calling the new project "Graceland West," because, "I'm not Elvis Presley. I am still alive. And this is Nevada. It is not Tennessee." ... A documentary crew from Rudy Ruettiger's production company recorded the meeting. Ruettiger, of "Rudy" film fame and a Henderson resident, has been working on a Newton doc over the past few months. ... Brown started the meeting by saying, "This meeting is not required by law, but we wanted everybody who wanted to be heard to be heard." He also disputed the notion that the Newtons are at all financially strapped, saying, "They have no debt." ... Newton said he wanted to share Shenandoah "in a way that would not be invasive to anyone," and the museum-theater concept has been in the works for a few months. ... Speaking from the audience, late in the meeting, was well-known Las Vegas administrative law attorney Chris Kaempfer. He laid out the issues clearly and concisely, and not a moment too soon. He was the one who put out the option of gating Tomiyasu Lane, and said any commercial access into Shenandoah off Pecos Road would happen only "when hell freezes over." He said he'd lead the fight against that proposal.
Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at twitter.com/JohnnyKats.
Comment removed by moderator. Off topic.
They've built some of those really nice contemporary homes on Tomyasu...those people must be livid. I have to think this is a money grab by Newton. For someone with 50 years performing in Las Vegas and a lot as a headliner he should have more money than he would ever need. Sounds like he's a spendthrift with no money management that now needs help.
His problem. Don't make it the neighbors problem. This proposal should be shot down. This idea that he loves his property so much he wants to open it up to strangers is garbage. He's looking for money...pure and simple.
Why are these people up in arms? The area is ghetto. If Wayne goes banko and sells his house/land, it will be redeveloped into low income apartments or housing, and make the area even worse. Especially for all those idiots that bought the muli million dollar custom homes next to him.
DUH. The only reason that area has any value is because of Newtons place.
People in this area who are against this are missing the point. Wayne's property and the neighboring properties are at a prime location. Wayne's property just happens to sit on the hard corner of two section lines -- which means there is going to be heavy traffic in and around this area forever and ever.
Wayne could sell his land and/or partner with a shopping center developer to come in and put an even larger, heavily traffic C-2 Use at this location. That scenario actually makes more sense for Wayne because it would earn him more money long term.
Wayne is making a common sense proposition that will fit with his neighbors. He is a world wide, well-known entity. He sees his property pretty much remaining the same with shuttlebuses bringing tourist to and from his property so that fans can fondly bask in Wayne's career.
I have been to Graceland. And surrounding Graceland on three sides are SFR's. And, whether the foot traffic walking around Graceland bothers the neighbors, I don't know. But I am sure a good fence or block wall would eliminate most of the surrounding property owners concerns.
You can be sure, Wayne has considered the opinions of his neighbors. This scenario works for both sides.
Comment removed by moderator. Off topic.
Wayne's property where Shenandoah is located is not zoned commerical. The commercial property is across Sunset on the NW corner of Sunset and Pecos. The issue of the surrounding homeowners is the proposed bus traffic on the residential street between them and Wayne's house. Also, how many buses, how many people and during what hours of operation. If it is tour bus, would there be an on-board PA system that could be heard in surrounding homes. This is not any different than if any of us moved into a new home in a nice subdivision and then one of neighbors wanted to operate a business out of their home that would increase the traffic and noise in the immediate area.
he should just live his life and retire with all that money.
Seven Hills is correct. The neighbors bought in that are because of Wayne. The problem with zoning in this town is that it can be changed on a whim regardless of input of the residents. I know this because I live in MTs. Edge and are dealing with two bars in a two mile area near by our house. I don't live their so it is not fair to comment. But he could very easily sell his house for a HUGE profit and screw the neighborhood. I think if everyone was willing, a compromise could be reached.
@dickerjd
He's right. His property is not zoned commercial. If Wayne is that hard up for money....sell the estate.
As I said, it's a garbage argument that he wants to open his property up to strangers "so they can enjoy what he enjoys"
Wayne squandered his huge earnings over the years. Now he's trying to figure out a way to get some back but at the same time screwing the neighbors.
Loud, noisy tour buses and shuttle buses on Tomyasu?
No way.
Sell the estate Wayne if you need money so badly. That's how it works.
No thanks Wayne
As reported, the property to be used for the museum and theater across Sunset from Shenandoah, where Napa Valley building stands, IS zoned for commercial use. The Casa de Shenandoah estate is not zoned for commercial use, so he is requesting a special-use permit to bus people through his property.
As much as I appreciate Wayne Newton, I have to side with his neighbors and I suggest they pick a more commercial location for this project.
There is no stopping the commercial use museum.
With all due respect to Mr. Newton and his storied career as a Las Vegas entertainer, but does he or anyone else their right mind believe for one second that there are people willing to sit through a show with him as a headliner let alone enough people to fill a 600 seat theater?
You are so right Dynamo Wayne Newton could sell all that property to Wal-Mart tomorrow and build a gigantic shopping center on it and make millions. The people living on Tomiyasu Lane better think about that because it might happen if Wayne gets pissed off. He cant lose..................
Did Newton acknowledge his money issues during this meeting?
"I get the greatest pleasure out of sharing our home."
Did he really expect a room of 200 neighbors to believe that this proposal was being driven by anything other than financial desperation?
Even if he'd come clean with the details of his reported unenviable financial situation, his neighbors would likely be opposed. But, to expect a room of fairly smart and successful people to believe the above quote as his primary motivation for this project is not realistic.
Ok lets see how about a massage parlor and a XXX adult super store and throw in a strip club--dont laugh because a lot of stuff can be built on 38 acres and if you dont believe it just ask anybody that lives here now what zoning can do to your neighborhood. So let Wayne do his thing its better than the consequences..............
My opinion is that at some point, all the neighbors have boasted to friends and coworkers about living next to Wayne Newton. Most live there because of him. Did Wayne ever throw a hissy fit because people were developing land around his and moving in on his bit of paradise? Did the neighbors throw a fit when developement brought business for them to shop at? Wayne's been there since 1965. Support the Man and his plan. It will be good for everyone. Quit thinking about what you are worth and build on what you've got. It's time to pay it forward.
A note about the support of the meeting, too, as my colleague Sun photographer Steve Marcus dis see three hands raised when the question about support was asked. I didn't see those hands, but I do take Steve's account as credible.
this sounds like a marvelous idea and I wish wayne the best of luck. he most certainly deserves it! donna
Have any of you been to Graceland? A small bus takes you across the street to the house, and there is absolutely no disruption of traffic or inconvenience to the neighbors. Are the neighbors afraid of crazed Wayniacs stumbling done their oh so precious Tomiyasu?
You go Wayne!!! I've wanted to see Shenandoah ever since you gave Beverly D'Angelo the Grand Tour in Vegas Vacation.
If it brings money to the area why not. I don't see anyone else trying to improve the neighborhood. And the property values would not be there if it was not for his property. Let the man spend his money and try to improve the area. At least he is trying something.
Tourists help the economy. Let me drive down the streets in buses if they want to.
Mike Tyson lost his two properties on Tomiyasu lane, it is no longer ghetto. It is lined with multi million dollar homes though, that belong to some important business people like the owner of a very popular shoe company that has retail interests in Las Vegas, and chose Las Vegas to open their first high end retail stores. these people employ Nevadans, These people should be allowed to keep their privacy from hoards of tourists, especially considering what they have invested in their properties and the uniqueness of some of those homes, one even with a pyramid shaped gazebo designed by the designer of the Luxor
Wayner is looking scary.
Also,at Graceland,they give a you a cassette (it was in '96) player and headphones,so it's quiet inside the mansion.
i agree with seven in that the area is a dump...his property in particular is poorly maintained.