Jones against eminent domain in Stratosphere expansion

Friday, March 27, 1998 | 10:05 a.m.

Las Vegas Mayor Jan Laverty Jones said she doesn't want the city to use its powers of eminent domain to acquire property for a Stratosphere casino-hotel expansion that might never happen.

The city took 1 1/2 acres of land just north of the Stratosphere in 1995 using eminent domain for a planned addition to the hotel. Since then, the Stratosphere has declared bankruptcy.

Property owners brought the city to court, alleging the government illegally acquired their land. After a ruling came down in favor of the property owners, the city filed an appeal which has yet to be decided.

Usually a staunch supporter of the city's use of eminent domain, Jones said Wednesday that if the Stratosphere doesn't want the land for an expansion, she doesn't see the need to take it or continue the court case.

"When I heard the Stratosphere didn't want the land anymore, I don't see why we need to fight these battles in court," she said. "If they don't want it, then I don't want it."

Another hearing on the matter is scheduled for Friday.