Letter: Plan for homes near Red Rock is abominable

Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2002 | 8:58 a.m.

The proposed housing development adjacent to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is an abomination. The plan includes 8,400 homes, roads, shopping centers, schools and other supporting infrastructure. With its 21,000 residents, the environmental and aesthetic impact on Red Rock Canyon will be nothing but detrimental.

The time has come to draw the proverbial line in the sand. There is no compromise here. Development has been given free reign elsewhere in the valley, but why Red Rock? The conservation area is pushed to its limits in regard to visitation numbers and traffic. The challenges ahead in maintaining the integrity of Red Rock's ecosystem are daunting enough without adding to them.

Red Rock Canyon played a major role in my decision to move to Las Vegas six years ago. To me it was nothing short of astonishing that within a half-hour drive from the city you could have such solitude and geologic splendor. I have met countless hikers, climbers, bikers and casual onlookers who have shared the same sentiments. To not maintain responsible stewardship toward this special place and its borders is unconscionable. It is imperative that our elected officials understand this.

"Koyaanisqatsi" is a Hopi Indian term that roughly translates as "life out of balance." If we now sit on our hands and let the development juggernaut encroach upon what is both a local and national treasure, then indeed we are living a life out of balance.

JAMES LANE