Editorial: Red Rock restrictions are overdue

Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2001 | 9:57 a.m.

It was encouraging that the Red Rock Citizens Advisory Council recommended last week that strict design standards be put in place for commercial development along the southern gateway to the Red Rock National Conservation Area. Under the proposal, which was developed by the Clark County Planning Department and now will go the Clark County Commission for final approval, there will be an effort to reduce the negative side effects of commercial growth in that area. About 2,400 acres along a four-mile stretch of State Routes 159 and 160 east of the town of Blue Diamond would have to conform to the new standards.

Master-planned communities impose similar restrictions on commercial development, but the new conditions being recommended for the Red Rock area are significantly tougher than can be found in the rest of the Las Vegas Valley. Under the Red Rock area plan, no neon would be allowed, the architectural style of the buildings would have to be a Southwest-type of Spanish Colonial, and the colors would have to be neutral or an earth tone. No building could be taller than 35 feet and no freestanding signs would be allowed, such as those found at fast-food restaurants. Lighting also would be curtailed to some extent after 11 p.m.

Las Vegas is known for its excess, that's for sure. The city's ostentatiousness -- neon everywhere, gambling 24 hours a day, casinos that constantly try to outdo their competitors by being bigger and better -- also is what attracts millions of visitors here every year. But there's no reason why those excesses should be everywhere we turn. In environmentally sensitive areas of Southern Nevada, including Mount Charleston and the Red Rock area, strict controls on commercial and residential development are needed so future generations can also enjoy what we have today. The natural beauty of the land shouldn't be marred by garish signs on businesses hawking customers or tall buildings that block the views.