Disclosure issue sparks debate

Adrienne Packer

Wednesday, June 5, 2002 | 11:29 a.m.

Community activist Steve Small infuriated Clark County commissioners Tuesday when he questioned the propriety of their vote to allow a land deal between the airport and developer Jay Bingham, a former commissioner.

Not long after a heated exchange, the board considered a much talked about policy that would require applicants to disclose of all partners involved in land use requests.

"It's important that we as commissioners understand who is applying for land use, who stands to benefit from certain decisions we make so we're aware of it," Commission Chairman Dario Herrera said.

Though no commissioner was opposed to the policy -- which had nothing to do with the airport deal approved earlier -- some were concerned disclosure would lead to more criticisms like those initiated by Small.

"Like this morning, people can accuse us of making a decision because we know someone; it becomes so unfair," Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates said, referring to Small's statement. "People will think it's more political than it really is."

Small's comments followed an agreement that allows McCarran International Airport to lease 180 acres to Bingham's company, Blue Valley II LLC.

The land on Blue Diamond Road between Arville Street and Industrial Road falls within the airport's cooperative management area. The federal government turned the property beneath flight paths over to the airport, which can auction, lease or exchange land with restrictions.

Aviation Director Randy Walker has said leases are more beneficial to the airport because it collects money annually rather than accepting a one-time sum for the land.

But Small on Tuesday said the deal clearly benefited Blue Valley. Small said a more appropriate process would have been to auction off the land, allowing everyone a fair shot at securing it.

His opinion was not well received.

"It's extremely easy to to sling arrows; you not only impugned this board but the individuals involved in this," Commissioner Erin Kenny said. "Until there is any kind of proof, I find these accusations offensive and inflammatory."

Commissioner Myrna Williams said comments like Small's discourage citizens from running for elected office and "that is a great loss for the community."

But Tuesday's land agreement with Bingham isn't the first case involving a landowner well acquainted with commissioners.

The new policy was first suggested in August, two months after the Clark County Planning Commission unanimously approved a master plan amendment that converted land zoned as residential to office-professional.

District Attorney Stewart Bell owns three of the parcels that are expected to increase in value due to the zone change.