Horizon residents win one, lose one

Greg Harman

Wednesday, May 17, 2000 | 9:58 a.m.

Whether it is an unobstructed view of the Las Vegas Strip from the hills of Henderson or the multiplication of gas stations and apartments, residents along Horizon Ridge Parkway continue to fight to control the transformation of their neighborhoods.

Tuesday night the Henderson City Council acted on many of those concerns, denying one proposal while allowing others.

"It's gotten kind of ridiculous," said Karen Sexton, homeowners association president of Sandy Ridge Estates, of the large numbers of apartments and gas stations sprouting along residential areas of Horizon Ridge.

A proposal to tack an additional 44 apartments onto a previously approved 340-unit complex at Horizon Ridge and Carnegie Street failed when the council took the side of the residents.

Mayor James Gibson compared the social dynamic along Horizon Parkway with "highly environmentally sensitive land."

"It is something we have to balance. I think it gets out of balance on this project if we go another 19 units, (or) another 16 units," he said.

"I wish I could go back and take back the 340 cap," Councilman Andy Hafen said.

However, a one-year extension was unanimously granted for the construction of a gas station at 2599 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway that had been batted back and forth between the council and Planning Commission for about two years.

Residents opposed the request, complaining of a high concentration of gas stations in their neighborhood already.

"It's starting to look like an oilfield around our neighborhood," Sexton complained.

But John Marshiano, speaking for applicant Joseph Prestipino, reminded the council that the request was not one of zoning, but for an extension of time.

The council granted the extension but made it clear it may be the last.

"I don't think I see myself voting for another extension," Gibson said.

Meanwhile, Champion Homes' revised master plan, which had about 15 homeowners speak against it at the last council meeting, was given the final OK by the council.

The series of zoning changes at Lake Mead Drive and Stephanie Street will most notably allow an apartment complex to be constructed next to single-family homes. Greg Harman

covers Henderson and Boulder City for the Sun. He can be reached at (702) 259-8814 or by e-mail atharman@lasvegassun.com