Decision on Stratosphere ride delayed

Diana Sahagun

Friday, April 12, 2002 | 9:46 a.m.

The Las Vegas Planning Commission voted Thursday to postpone for a month the Stratosphere's application for a proposed thrill ride, despite pressure from 100 neighbors who asked that the project be killed immediately.

Neighbors living east of the Stratosphere left the meeting furious, saying their lives had been disrupted for months and that their efforts to ensure every voice was heard -- through neighborhood meetings and 1,000 fliers they distributed -- were for nothing.

While their night may have been disrupted, Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas, who lives in the area, said the commissioners were right to postpone the item until May 9. Stratosphere officials have warned that if their thrill ride is not approved, they will take the city to court. Giunchigliani said the city should not give the court system any reason to overturn what might be a denial of the ride.

"We know that it's going to end up in court," she said. "But we have the votes to deny the project, let's make sure we don't jeopardize anything."

It's been seven months since the Stratosphere first proposed a 700-foot thrill ride that would drop riders down the tower, across Las Vegas Boulevard and up a steel tower fronting Paradise Road.

When the original proposal came before the Planning Commission in November, the board denied it. The Stratosphere withdrew its appeal to the City Council after it appeared the members were inclined to vote against it.

Thursday's application was for a slower, shorter version of the ride, but of the same configuration and distance from neighborhoods. Attorney J.T. Moran III asked for a continuance, saying said he was not prepared to give the presentation, and the lead attorney, his father, John Moran Jr., was unable to attend because of a family medical emergency.

J.T. Moran III said there were new traffic and noise studies he was not privy to.

Commission Chairman Craig Galati said to be fair to the residents and the Stratosphere, the board needed to hear a full presentation. But he warned Moran III that additional delays would not be tolerated.

"The next time this project comes before this commission, this item will be heard," he said.

Residents called Moran's request a delay tactic, but vowed to be back in 30 days.

"I expect the same number of people or more to be back here in one month," said John Delikanakis, who heads the Beverly Green Neighborhood Association. "People are tired, they're annoyed, they just want some peace."