Editorial: Let’s put an end to dawdling

Thursday, April 13, 2000 | 9:40 a.m.

Since that time, however, Rhodes has changed its mind. Instead the developer has sought to have the flood control channel built across Durango Drive on property owned by the county. That proposal has met opposition from the Clark County Commission's planning staff, which has said Rhodes' plan could create problems for a nearby park and high school that are planned for the land. In addition, such a transfer could end up costing taxpayers. For instance, bridges would have to be built across the ditch, fences erected to keep children out, and property would have to be bought by the Regional Flood Control District to construct the channel. A recent appraisal of the land in question says it's worth $1.4 million.

Rhodes has said it will consider paying the costs the government would incur for building the channel elsewhere. Still it will be difficult to quickly assess the actual costs the county might have to incur in the near term, and it could be almost impossible to determine future costs. For example, there could be additional expenses related to the channel's upkeep, such as repairing and cleaning up problems if there is a flood.

Commissioner Erin Kenny's actions haven't helped matters, either. Kenny, who lives in a Rhodes Ranch development and is a friend of developer Jim Rhodes, has intervened inappropriately. She showed up at a Feb. 11 staff meeting that county planners had with Rhodes to discuss the project. As the Sun's Adrienne Packer has reported previously, these staffers felt Kenny's presence was intended to influence them to relinquish their opposition.

Enough time already has been wasted on this. In fact, the Clark County Flood Control District's channel is supposed to be under construction by this fall. The County Commission already has deferred acting on this three times. The commission, then, should move forward at its April 19 meeting and require that the flood channel be built on Rhodes property. After all, a deal's a deal.