Letter: City must find best use for Union Pacific property

Wednesday, April 8, 1998 | 11:38 a.m.

Then later, in regard to the city's use of eminent domain to take property to benefit the Stratosphere, Jones was quoted stating, "When I heard the Stratosphere didn't want the land anymore, I don't see why we need to fight these battles in court. If they don't want it, then I don't want it."

Bearing in mind that Jones is a stockholder in both the Golden Nugget, located near the Union Pacific property, and Grand Casinos, the owner of the Stratosphere, it makes me wonder if she realizes that it appears to some people that she might possibly gain a small, personal monetary benefit from the Union Pacific property remaining nongaming and noncompetitive or from the Stratosphere land-banking nearby properties through the use of the city's eminent domain powers for possible future expansion?

I'm sure that this is not the case; however, to ease my mind, I would appreciate it if the mayor -- instead of just talking -- would put a couple of discussion and possible action items on the next Downtown Redevelopment Agency agenda. One to the effect that the Union Pacific property be permitted to develop to its highest and best use -- which obviously would include gaming, and another so Jones can set in place the policy to lead the council in withdrawing the eminent domain defense actions of the city's out-of-town attorneys. Then, and only then, she can begin formulating an amicable settlement agreement with the damaged property owners near the Stratosphere.

Steve Miller, former Las Vegas city councilman