Racetrack plans bother resorts

Jeff Schweers

Friday, Sept. 12, 1997 | 10:57 a.m.

Certain hotel properties, including Circus Circus, are not entirely comfortable with preliminary plans for a grand prix racetrack and public golf course at the south end of the Strip.

The County Commission will therefore discuss the plans again at its meeting Tuesday and perhaps allow hotel representatives to speak.

Last week, commissioners agreed to solicit proposals for building such a complex. Tuesday, the board will "clarify the criteria to be included" in proposals for the 145 acres at the southwest corner of Russell Road and Las Vegas Boulevard.

"The item that went through called for a golf course and racetrack," County Manager Dale Askew said. "We want to clarify that that is (the County Commission's) desire."

Askew said there was a feeling among several concerned hotel properties that the item had not received enough public debate.

"I guess you could say that's why we're putting it back on, so we can have a debate at the commission level, and any public input they would allow," Askew said. Any input from the audience would be at the board's discretion, he added.

Several properties had called the county after the board voted last week to solicit bids for the project. Askew said he talked to Mike Sloan, vice president for Circus Circus, which is building a 14,000-room project just north of the proposed golf course and race track.

"Mr. Sloan indicated the golf course is compatible, but questioned whether having a racecourse on a golf course was compatible," Askew said. "I agreed to put it back on. Actually, I asked the chairwoman to put it back on."

At least one group, fronted by political advisor Sig Rogich and race promoter Tommy Baker, already has plans for the site. They want to build a $790 million public golf course and a track suitable for Formula One racing.

The property is leased to the county by the Bureau of Land Management.