Planners OK 1,800 homes in northwest

Diana Sahagun

Friday, Aug. 9, 2002 | 9:25 a.m.

Despite protests by neighboring residents, the Las Vegas Planning Commission on Thursday approved plans for Pulte Homes to build up to 1,800 homes in the northwest.

The project was approved 5-1 with Commissioner Byron Goynes in opposition and Commissioner Michael Buckley abstaining.

The project, formerly called Mountain Spa Development, had suffered numerous delays for more than 10 years until the 325-acre parcel was purchased by Pulte last month from Jack Sommer, who developed the Aladdin.

Although Sommer's original plans called for a resort community with large lots and a casino, Commissioner Craig Galati said Pulte's plans were better than the original vision for the area because it removed the commercial portion.

"I would much rather have homes in that site than the traffic and noise ... that are part of casino projects," he said.

The homes planned by Pulte are part of the overall 630-acre project, bound by Rainbow Boulevard, Grand Teton Road, Iron Mountain Road and Buffalo Drive. Included in the project is a golf course under the management of Florida-based Meadowbrook Golf Group Inc.

Pulte has been working with residents for months to reach an agreement on the project, including adding more open space to buffer homes. But during a more than one-hour public hearing on Thursday, residents said the smaller homes, ranging from 1,200 to 1,400 square feet, would negatively affect their rural lifestyle.

The City Council will take final action on the plan Sept. 4.