Henderson council approves senior housing

Greg Harman

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2000 | 11 a.m.

Dozens of Henderson residents opposing a proposed affordable senior apartment complex for the McCullough Hills Planning Area cheered each other on Tuesday night as they expressed their concerns to the City Council.

But after two hours of discussion, there was no applause for the council when the body unanimously approved a three-story, 205-unit project at the southwest corner of Las Palmas Entrada Avenue and Gibson Road.

Residents' concerns painted a picture of a low-income project that attracted criminally minded caretakers, lowered surrounding property values and clogged their streets with aged drivers.

But council members took issue with many of the residents' fears.

"I honestly believe the impact is not going to be as great as you feared," said Councilman Andy Hafen, before leading the vote.

Councilman Steve Kirk pointed out that aged-restricted apartments in Henderson actually have some of the lowest crime statistics -- averaging about one emergency call per month.

But residents, mostly from the Champion Village neighborhood, maintained that the project was "ludicrous" and a "monstrosity."

"We really don't need this low-income project right at the forefront of our homes," Champion Village resident Dan Parker complained.

One woman suggested the city may have to change its slogan from "A Place to Call Home" to "A Place to Rezone."

Construction is expected to start in February and last 10 months.