Sidewalk sales are sought

Diana Sahagun

Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2001 | 9:14 a.m.

Some downtown business owners say sidewalks sales can help ensure their survival by attracting more shoppers, but without the support of the councilman representing that area, the owners may have to depend on window shoppers.

The business owners along Main Street, led by Larry Watson of Creative Furniture, have been fighting the city since 1999 over a recently enforced 1985 ordinance that bans display of their wares on the sidewalks.

According to more than 25 petitions collected by Watson from downtown business owners, since the ordinance was enforced in 1999 their revenue has dropped at least 50 percent, threatening to drive them out of business. Edward Brown, owner of Desert Manor, said his business has dropped by 75 percent.

The key, the business owners say, are the unique, oversized sidewalks along Main Street. Constructed in the 1940s and 1950s, they are 14 feet wide, while new sidewalks are 6 feet.

They propose allowing merchandise to be displayed no more than 6 feet from their businesses, leaving 8 feet for pedestrians.

While several council members have met with Watson to discuss the proposal, they say they will defer to Councilman Gary Reese, who was elected to serve the area. Without his support it is unlikely the rest of the council will follow.

The owners will make their plea to the City Council Nov. 14, when the compromise is scheduled to be discussed.

The conflict had its seed in a city zoning code amendment in 1985 that prohibited displays of merchandise outside a furniture or appliance store. But because the code was not enforced, the businesses continued to display merchandise outside their shops.

The practice was put to an end in 1999, when Las Vegas Councilman Michael McDonald -- who represented the area before wards were redrawn -- responded to complaints from citizens and directed city staff to begin enforcing the ordinance.

Reese said before the ordinance was enforced, the businesses were taking advantage of the city. He added that the ordinance was put into place to protect the entire city from businesses that were impeding foot traffic.

"If you went down to Main Street, you couldn't even see the sidewalks, you couldn't walk down the sidewalks," he said.

Across from his store and nearby, Watson points out, shops are boarded up and empty. Watson fears others will have the same fate if the council refuses to budge.

"This ordinance is putting me out of business," Watson said. "It just doesn't make sense for the city to hurt businesses."

Watson has compiled a comprehensive report of the owners' requests, including letters of support. According to signed letters from Jeff Donahue, deputy fire marshal for the city of Las Vegas, and Janet Myers, of the city's Risk Management Department, the compromise does not pose any health hazards, as long as it allows for 6 feet of sidewalk for public use.

The owners also have letters of support from the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, Las Vegas Business Association and the Gateway Arts Neighborhood Association, which say the compromise is needed to boost business.

Reese, who now represents the area, says he has been hesitant to support the compromise because of the precedent it would set. Reese said if he were to approve the ordinance, he would have to give the opportunity to all business owners in the city, where the sidewalks are only 6 feet.

Reese said the businesses have other options to draw shoppers, such as increasing advertising. While he doesn't want to hurt businesses, Reese said, the rules have to be applied evenly across the board.

"If you have a business in Summerlin, you should receive the same benefits," Reese said. "All I'm trying to do is be fair."