Gated development approved over protests from neighbors

Thursday, Feb. 8, 2001 | 10:09 a.m.

Clark County commissioners approved a gated community in the northwest Las Vegas Valley, a decision that prompted catcalls from residents opposed to the project.

The decision to approve the 130-unit development at Lone Mountain and Fort Apache roads came despite numerous appeals from residents of the area, who argued that the gated community is not in character with the wide-open spaces and horse farms nearby.

Commissioner Chip Maxfield motioned for approval, but prefaced that motion by saying some people wouldn't like it. He was right.

He asked that the residents understand the county's position -- that denial could lead to a reversal in court.

Rob Warhola, a county attorney, said not only could the courts overturn a denial, but the concessions agreed to by the developer would be thrown out. That would lead to greater housing densities, one of the outcomes that the residents didn't want.

The final version has 2.2 units per acre on a total of 59 acres, but that figure doesn't take into account seven acres that cannot be developed because they are in a utility right-of-way.

Northwest Citizens Association President Owen Kline said the concessions from Bossard Developer Services were probably the best deal the residents in the area could get.

He also welcomed a rider to Maxfield's motion that will designate the area as a rural neighborhood preservation zone, a classification that could block similar land uses.