Enterprise residents hoping to protect their rural lifestyle

Lisa Snedeker

Thursday, April 22, 1999 | 11:17 a.m.

Enterprise Township residents want to see their rural residential areas preserved as part of an interlocal agreement between Clark County and Henderson.

About 40 residents sent that message to Henderson planners Wednesday at the first of three meetings scheduled to gather public comments on the development of a joint land-use plan between the city and the county.

Other concerns topping residents' priority lists were where flood channels would be located and the location of future power lines, which residents said they would like to see buried.

Despite planners' admonitions that this was not a meeting about the city's proposed annexation of portions of Enterprise Township, not all residents were convinced.

Homeowners such as Leonard Bowdle and Robert Gaylor believe they live in the last rural bastion of the Las Vegas Valley, and they want it to stay that way.

"I moved out here 10 years ago because I wanted to live out of the city," said Bowdle, who lives on Larsen Lane. "It's a nice quiet, rural area ... and I like it that way."

Gaylor, who just spent $1,100 on improvements to his well, said he does not want to be forced into the expense of hooking up to city water or sewer if his property is annexed.

The land-use plan, which will address where to locate parks and schools as well as services such as fire and police protection, is part of the interlocal agreement approved in January that also addresses the area's future transportation needs.

As part of the agreement, the city and the county will develop an arterial street plan, including interchanges and overpasses at Interstate 15.

"We're trying to provide for a continued road pattern," said Henderson planner Stephanie Garcia.

In addition, borderless water and sewer services will be established through the agreement to avoid duplication, and the city, county and the Clark County Sanitation District will determine the location of a proposed water reuse plant.

The agreement came after the residents loudly protested a plan by Henderson to annex about 1,400 acres within the township.

The city agreed to drop several heavily populated sections north of Lake Mead Drive when it eventually makes its annexation move.

The earliest the city can pursue annexation is this summer, following municipal elections.

It also pledged that county and Henderson planners will work with property owners, service providers and other interested parties on a land-use and development plan for the area.

The next meeting is 7 p.m. May 11 at the Silver Springs Recreation Center.