Henderson seeks annex of 1,380 acres

Scott Reeder

Tuesday, Dec. 15, 1998 | 11:21 a.m.

The Henderson City Council is contemplating annexing 1,380 acres of Clark County land.

City leaders say the annexation is necessary to prevent conflicting land uses from developing along the city's edges.

A public hearing would be required before the land could be annexed into the city. The formal annexation could happen as early as February, Vicki Taylor, a city spokeswoman, said.

The matter is expected to come up for initial discussion at tonight's Henderson City Council meeting. It originally was scheduled to be discussed at the council's December 1 meeting, but the council delayed the matter on the request of County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury.

"There are some people in that neighborhood who are opposed to being annexed. I'm sure there are some people there who want to be part of Henderson," Woodbury said.

Some members of the town advisory board for the Enterprise area of Clark County have expressed opposition to the proposed annexation, Woodbury said. The advisory board is scheduled to make a formal vote on the matter later this month.

City officials say they are concerned that the land, which borders the city to the northwest, could be developed in ways not compatible with the city's plans. For example, commercial developments might be built next to residential neighborhoods.

"I'm not opposed to annexation per se," Woodbury said. "In fact, I've encouraged some developers to annex to Henderson in the past. I just think we need to have more discussions between the city, the county and residents before a decision is made."

Taylor said about 160 homes are in the area in question.

The state is considering creating two interchanges along Interstate 15 in the area, she said.

"With the creation of those two interchanges, that area really will become a gateway into Henderson. We really want to have more say on how the area is developed," she said.

Clark County has devoted a great deal of time to planning for the eventual development of the Enterprise area, which is about 70 square miles and occupies the southwest part of the Las Vegas Valley. The area now has 13,000 residents, but is expected to grow to 300,000 over the next 25 years.

Taxes for residents will go up if they are annexed into the city, Taylor said. The owner of a $100,000 home would pay an additional $100 a year, she said.

In return for the higher taxes, residents would receive closer police, fire and paramedic services, she said.