Commission resets vote on proposals for golf course

Adrienne Packer

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 1998 | 1:40 a.m.

Just two weeks after Clark County commissioners agreed to delay indefinitely a vote on proposals for three golf courses along the Strip, the item is back before them.

On Tuesday, commissioners will first vote on whether they want to consider the proposals, which have been submitted by United States Grand Prix-Las Vegas, the Walters Group and Club Corporation of America.

If the vote passes, the board may end a year-long battle for the 163 acres on the south end of Las Vegas Boulevard and award the project.

County Commission chairwoman Yvonne Atkinson Gates tabled the item Sept. 1 after two commissioners said they would abstain from the vote and two other commissioners were leaning toward postponing it.

It isn't clear why commissioners feel they may be better prepared to vote Tuesday. Atkinson Gates did not return a phone call Wednesday morning.

Commissioner Lance Malone, however, said today: "We were elected to make tough decisions, so let's get on with the task we were elected to do."

Perhaps most frustrated by the board's delay was the Grand Prix group, which has promised the county a Formula One race that would generate $50 million during a three-day event.

The group was the first to approach the county about building a championship golf course with affordable rates coupled with a Grand Prix racetrack that would wind through the course.

United States Grand Prix promoter Tommy Baker said the commission approved the project Sept. 2, 1997, after the group proved it was heavily supported by Formula One. Days later, however, the commission changed the project to a golf course with a recreational component.

Baker said Formula One granted the Grand Prix group four extensions, but is now eying other cities -- particularly Indianapolis, the racing mecca of the country.

"To date, while they haven't entertained any offers, they have been negotiating," Baker said. "They have lost faith in the commissioners.

"Last meeting, they preferred a no vote rather than to vote no. How can you vote against a deal that you voted for? I'm glad I'm not in their seats."

The Grand Prix proposal has been protested by Circus Circus Enterprises, which is completing its newest hotel-casino, Mandalay Bay. Representatives of Circus Circus told commissioners the noise of revving engines will ruin their resort's peaceful environment.

Baker, however, said there is no way Circus Circus would lose business because of the race. His group offered to pay $5 million for rooms at the Luxor, Excalibur and Mandalay Bay to ensure the hotels would be booked.

Baker said Mirage Resorts Inc. Chairman Steve Wynn also supports the Grand Prix race and even offered Formula One $5 million to build a track around the soon-to-open Bellagio. Wynn failed to gain support from his neighbors.

The Walters Group is proposing an affordable, high-class facility designed by respected golf-course architect Pete Dye.

Club Corporation of America wants to build an 18-hole course designed by Gary Player. Its proposal also includes eight tennis courts and a training facility for tennis star Andre Agassi, who is a partner in the group.

Tuesday's meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the commission chambers of the County Government Building.