Editorial: Ride isn’t a thrill for neighbors

Friday, Oct. 12, 2001 | 9:25 a.m.

It is undeniable that the plans for a new roller coaster at the Stratosphere are breathtaking. Passengers in an enclosed car would drop down 750 feet on the east side of the Stratosphere tower, hurtle over Las Vegas Boulevard and end by climbing a 415-foot tower on Paradise Road. The roller coaster would dwarf the world's tallest ride, which currently is 415 feet high, and reach speeds up to 122 mph, 20 mph faster than any roller coaster now in use.

The proposed roller coaster may be a thrill-seekers' dream, but it is a nightmare for nearby residents. Many of the people who live close to the Stratosphere have vigorously opposed another roller coaster being added to the mix -- the Stratosphere already has two in operation. Both of those roller coasters are operated near the top of the tower, with the Big Shot about 900 feet above ground, so the noise from the rides, and the screams from their passengers, aren't too much of a disturbance now. But this latest entry would bring the ride close to residential areas.

It's not just the impact on neighbors that is an issue. There also have been safety concerns that roller coaster rides increasingly are becoming more dangerous for passengers as the quest continues for even deeper plunges, more severe turns and higher speeds. As the Sun's Jeffrey Libby reported this week, roller coaster designers and operators say that the rides are safe, but physicians contend that some passengers have died after suffering brain injuries, especially from those rides that have violent turns.

Last month the Planning Commission, on a 3-2 vote, rejected the proposal, saying it wasn't compatible with the existing area, which includes neighborhoods. The Las Vegas Planning Commission's action isn't binding, though, and the Las Vegas City Council will have the final say on the project's fate at its Monday meeting.

In recent years Las Vegans have watched a battle of one-upmanship by the hotel-casinos as they seek to attract more visitors by adding art museums, nationally renowned restaurants and attractions such as roller coasters. Another roller coaster arguably could bring in more visitors for the Stratosphere. But resorts, in their quest to have the biggest and the best, also have to be mindful of their neighbors. The city should take reasonable steps to promote local hotel-casinos and businesses, but government also should ensure that neighborhood residents can expect some peace and quiet at home after they leave work. Thrill-seekers may not like it, but the City Council should respect the wishes of the neighborhood residents and turn down this proposal.