Henderson residents oppose strip mall

Greg Harman

Friday, June 16, 2000 | 11:19 a.m.

Two years of negotiations with area residents have failed to quell the passionate objections of many Henderson residents to a proposed 31-acre strip mall east of the intersection of Lake Mead Drive and Athens Avenue.

These same critics left the meeting vowing "the war isn't over" after the Henderson Planning Commission's unanimous approval of City Stop Inc.'s request to rezone very low density residential and neighborhood-commercial acreage as commercial to allow the construction of two hotels, several restaurants with bars, gas stations and a major convenience store.

One of those opponents talked about the view he would lose. Already, new service stations along Lake Mead are affecting Mark Murphey's view of the Las Vegas Valley, which went undisturbed for years.

"When I go out in my yard at night, all I can see is the bright lights they've put in there," he complained.

Another warned of encroaching criminal activity being drawn toward the lake with the development.

"The hotels and the liquor sales and the fast food would encourage illegal operations like the hookers on Boulder Highway," said Henderson resident Henry Minor.

But David Marshiano, the developer's attorney, said that planned buffering that would be provided by boat storage facilities, and a gated community would shield the neighbors from any noise, light, traffic or smells from the addition.

"The beautiful, beautiful homes in section four will only be able to see the beautiful homes in Mr. Familian's development. That's what buffering is," Marshiano said. "You'll never be able to see one light bulb from this place."

Commissioner Danny Sanders agreed the buffer was appropriate for the situation.

"I just think it has very little impact on the neighborhood. The traffic's going to be there regardless of what this thing does."

But the commissioners did add conditions to their approval that mandate sidewalks along both Lake Mead Drive and Athens Avenue. Any change in the developer's comprehensive plan must be brought back before the planning board for another public hearing.

The commissioners also extended the commercial corridor to be developed off Lake Mead Drive from 400 to 600 feet.

Bill Plouffe, a Henderson resident, said those in opposition understood development was coming to their area of town, but it should be more closely controlled.

"I definitely feel strongly it should not go over 400 feet. I personally think it should go the other way," Plouffe said.