Henderson planners reject project for Lake Mead Boulevard

Greg Harman

Friday, May 26, 2000 | 10:05 a.m.

A major proposed development along Lake Mead Boulevard at Pecos Road went through a temporary transformation before the Henderson Planning Commission rejected it entirely Thursday night.

First, one of two convenience stores slated for the 20-acre parcel disappeared.

Then a tavern transitioned into a supper club.

And then the proposal was rejected entirely, much to the chagrin of consultant Robert Lewis, representing developer Senoa Mayfield. But he admitted the rejection was not unexpected.

"I will definitely appeal," Lewis said as he left the building.

More than 30 residents opposed to the project attended the meeting and several spoke against it. Most were against having a tavern so close to their homes.

"We all thought it would be great that our kids could Rollerblade to school. Now we have to worry about some drunk," said Nicole McNalley.

"We were told this was going to be zoned park so our children could play there," Linda Buckley said.

Commissioner JoAnn Huffaker responded to the residents' concerns.

"I think we're getting to the point where it's almost 'buyer beware' when it comes to vacant land in our neighborhoods," she said. "I have so many questions and so many concerns I almost don't even know where to begin."

Another commissioner suggested the entire project reflected "poor planning."

As concessions continued to be made on the proposal, commission Chairman George Bochanis suggested the design to be voted on was getting lost in the details.

"I think we're losing the flavor of what we're actually approving here due to all these changes."

The commission unanimously denied the application for a use permit, which had included two service stations, three drive-through restaurants, a dry cleaner, a car wash and a tavern/supper club.

But Bochanis and commissioners Guy Van Wyck and Dale Lay opposed the successful denial of the requested zone change for the property from single-family residential to community commercial.