Editorial: Residents’ views are essential

Monday, Aug. 21, 2000 | 9:31 a.m.

Sarann Knight Preddy, president of the Jackson Street Redevelopment Co., a nonprofit organization seeking to revitalize the area of West Las Vegas that once was a center for entertainment and gaming, wants to open a dialogue among clergy and government officials to see if a compromise can be reached to allow more development near churches. "The churches, especially the larger ones, are doing a very fine job ministering their members," she told Sun reporter Launce Rake. But she added that the abundance of storefront churches "did sort of kill the movement to redevelopment."

Some West Las Vegas residents interviewed by Rake said they want more businesses to move into the area -- but they don't want establishments selling alcohol included in that mix. The city of Las Vegas should be extraordinarily cautious, then, as it moves forward with this review. There is an important quality of life issue regarding the sale of alcohol that can't be ignored, whether it's the proximity of bars and taverns to churches or to area neighborhoods.

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