Development, growth topics of ‘Smart’ fair

Thursday, March 9, 2000 | 9:38 a.m.

Organizers of the Smart Growth-Real Solutions community fair March 18 are seeking groups concerned with development and growth in the Las Vegas Valley.

The community fair will be the concluding day of a three-day conference that will bring together professional planners, developers, environmentalists and politicians to discuss growth issues affecting the valley.

Kathy Laukner, UNLV environmental training program director, is organizing the community fair. The event will give the public an opportunity to view the different perspectives on growth to be presented at the conference.

The conference is sponsored by Clark County, UNLV, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the cities of Las Vegas and Henderson, the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties and other organizations.

"My goals are really to reach the public that has an interest in seeing the community grow in a sustainable way," Laukner said.

The Clark County and Las Vegas governments, Nevada Power Co. and the Urban Land Institute -- the national think tank hosting the conference -- have agreed to set up informational booths at the community fair.

Environmental and community groups, developers, the Regional Transportation Commission and other organizations also may participate, Laukner said.

She is looking for more groups to set up informational booths.

The fair will be at UNLV's academic mall, a concrete area parallel to Maryland Parkway near the Moyer Student Union. Laukner said plenty of free parking will be available along Maryland Parkway.

"It's just for people to learn about smart growth and what that means to our valley," Laukner said. "It really takes into account many facets, but we're definitely going to focus on the development of our valley.

"Anyone and everyone is welcome," she said.

To reserve a booth or for more information, contact Laukner at 895-1423.