Editorial: Neighborhoods are winner in decision

Saturday, Dec. 2, 2000 | 9:58 a.m.

It is encouraging that District Judge Ron Parraguirre upheld a state committee's power to reject casinos that encroach on neighborhoods. In January the Clark County Commission had approved a controversial casino proposed for the Spring Valley area despite the objections of nearby residents.

The residents appealed the county's decision to the state Gaming Policy Committee, which can determine whether a new casino complies with state law designed to curb the proliferation of neighborhood casinos. The developers argued that this state committee overstepped its authority, but as Parraguirre noted, the gaming industry long has been regulated by state government. This ruling is welcome, one which should send a signal to local governments about the importance of maintaining our quality of life in the face of new development.

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