Planning Commission to take up proposal for new hospital

Angela Soo

Tuesday, July 24, 2001 | 10:11 a.m.

Developers of a new North Las Vegas hospital located on a portion of the Craig Ranch Golf Course hope for approval Wednesday by the Planning Commission.

"It certainly is needed with our population and growth," Councilwoman Shari Buck said.

The city currently has one hospital, Lake Mead Hospital and Medical Center, which has 198 beds to serve more than 120,000 people.

Annette Kinsman, director of business development at Lake Mead Hospital, said there is "definitely a need for another hospital in the northern valley."

"But my main concern is how they are going to staff the hospital, given the nursing shortage in the valley," Kinsman said.

The 39-acre site on the northwest corner of Craig Road and Commerce Street would provide 180 beds and additional medical office buildings.

"Our citizens can have the opportunity to be provided good health care in closer proximity to their homes and where they work," Buck said.

Universal Health Services of Delaware, the company proposing the new hospital, hopes to complete the project in 2 1/2 years after obtaining a special-use permit. The site is currently zoned for general commercial use.

Another North Las Vegas hospital is being proposed at Tropical Parkway and Losee Road, about four miles northeast of the Craig Ranch Golf Course site. Tropical & Losee Ltd. Liability Co., which is proposing the 120-bed hospital, says construction is scheduled to begin next month and be completed by the end of 2002.

North Las Vegas Planning Department officials, however, say no building permits have yet been approved for that project.

At the Craig Ranch site, residents had previously fought against a Station Casinos proposal, which would have placed a hotel there.

"We were concerned about having a casino right next to two elementary schools," Deborah Lewis, a resident, said Monday.

Lewis says most residents, however, feel there is a need for a new hospital. Nevertheless, she said, she is worried about plans for a ground-level helicopter pad and how the hospital will look aesthetically.

"Heli-pads are usually located on top of buildings," Lewis said. "We're concerned about the safety of the area when helicopters are trying to land in between the trees. We also want to make sure that the appearance of the hospital is conducive to the neighborhood."

Preston Howard, the attorney representing Universal Health Services of Delaware, said his client built Summerlin Hospital and owns Valley Hospital Medical Center and Desert Springs Hospital.

"I'm glad that residents are getting involved," Howard said. "They should be able to be a part of the decision-making process, and what goes into their neighborhoods."