Beltway residents lose suit

Adrienne Packer

Monday, Sept. 25, 2000 | 11:43 a.m.

Northwest Las Vegas residents who expected that a lawsuit would prevent Clark County from taking their houses to build the Las Vegas Beltway -- or at least pay for their relocation -- had their hopes steamrolled Friday by District Judge James Brennan.

Brennan dismissed the lawsuit and told the residents they have 60 days to move their homes.

"If they don't have them off, you move them off," Brennan told Public Works officials who attended Friday's hearing.

Doug and Cindy Catsman, who filed the lawsuit, say they were misled by the county when they signed a 1997 contract selling their Regena Avenue lot near Centennial Parkway and U.S. 95. They were allowed to keep the house.

They were told the construction of the Las Vegas Beltway was imminent, yet they say even today there are no signs of the roadway.

The Catsmans also contend maps showing the beltway were switched, first showing it running through their homes, and after they sold the property, showing the road farther north not touching their cul-de-sac.

The Catsmans argued that the county took their lot using its eminent domain powers, and they believe their property is being eyed by commercial developers for Town Center, a district zoned for commercial use.

The Catsmans and their neighbors also said the county has withheld reimbursement funds for relocating the homes. Without the money, the residents feel stuck.

Brennan was direct with the homeowners, telling them they sold their property to the county, and now it's time to move out.

"This is a buy and sell transaction, not eminent domain," he said. "If you feel there was fraud and misrepresentation in the contract, then pursue that."

The homeowners got Brennan's message.

"You know what?" Cindy Catsman said as she left the courtroom. "We're homeless."

The county has owned the lots since 1997, but residents have been allowed to keep their houses on the property pay the government rent of $300 a month. Public Works officials said the road won't be finished until December 2001, but the county can't put the project to bid until the houses are cleared off the land.