Entertainment district gains approval

Diana Sahagun

Thursday, June 20, 2002 | 9:04 a.m.

City officials will coordinate a public "clean sweep" east of the Fremont Street Experience next week in order to prepare for a planned entertainment district of shops, bars, and taverns.

The sweep will entail city workers literally cleaning the streets and sidewalks, along with an increased presence by Metro Police.

The Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday voted unanimously to move forward with the creation of the entertainment district on six city blocks after Business Development Director Lesa Coder said she had approval from property owners.

Coder held a public meeting with affected property owners this month. Three property owners attended and expressed support for the idea of eliminating city guidelines that require taverns to be 1,500 feet apart.

City officials have said they are hoping to create an area similar to San Diego's popular Gaslamp district.

Coder estimated there are 40 property owners in the affected area.

As Coder proceeds with drafting the necessary ordinances, she said staff members are working with Metro Police to bolster a long-term police presence and the "clean sweep" of the area, which is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday.

Las Vegas is trying to build on the attraction of the Fremont Street Experience and the adjacent Neonopolis, an entertainment project that opened in June. The entertainment district just east of those two venues would be bound by Las Vegas Boulevard, Ogden Avenue, Eighth Street and Carson Avenue

Coder estimated it would take 60 to 90 days to go through the process of drafting the necessary ordinances and submitting them to a city committee before receiving a vote from the council.

"I think it will be a continuation of places for people to go and things to do," she said. "I think it really helps not just Neonopolis, but the Fremont Street Experience as a whole by continuing that clean look and offering different venues for folks who come into the downtown area."