Editorial: Zoning squabbles must end

Friday, Nov. 9, 2001 | 4:38 a.m.

In recent years the northwest part of the Las Vegas Valley has become the flashpoint for zoning disputes between the Las Vegas City Council and the Clark County Commission. City residents, who in many instances live just across the boundary from land located in the county, have been upset by County Commission decisions that have permitted the construction of businesses close to their neighborhoods. The proliferation of drug stores and convenience marts isn't exactly what these residents had in mind as a way to improve their quality of life.

Elected officials of the City Council and the County Commission who represent wards in the northwest have tried to forge an agreement that would set up a coherent master plan that both bodies would have to follow. But so far squabbling between the city and the county repeatedly has prevented passage of a land use guide. Last week the County Commission narrowly approved a land use pact by a 4-3 vote, but the City Council rejected it because of a provision that would hamstring the city's efforts at annexation.

The city should provide ample notice to county residents if it initiates annexation, but the reality is that the Legislature has given the city the right to annex county land as it wishes. The county should stop using the issue of annexation to block the enactment of a sensible land use map -- it's a battle the county already has lost in the Legislature.

Neighborhood residents have grown weary of constantly having to battle with developers over attempts to change zoning. Residents expect that developers will do what is in the best interest of their companies. But it is infuriating to residents that so many members of the County Commission have forgotten that their mission is to act in the best interest of the public.

Councilmen Larry Brown and Michael Mack and County Commissioners Bruce Woodbury and Chip Maxfield haven't given up on eventually reaching an agreement. They have met since the votes last week and are trying to hammer out a pact that will be satisfactory to both governing bodies. We hope that they find success.