Las Vegas Sun

November 28, 2009

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City begins work on entertainment district

Diana Sahagun

Thursday, March 7, 2002 | 9:20 a.m.

Las Vegas city staff will begin meeting with downtown property owners to discuss the creation of an entertainment district east of Las Vegas Boulevard on Fremont Street that would allow bars and nightclubs to locate near one another.

The City Council on Wednesday directed Lesa Coder, the city's Business Development director, to meet with downtown stakeholders, property owners and Metro Police in regard to a proposal to create the district in an area bounded by Las Vegas Boulevard, Ogden Avenue, Eighth Street and Carson Avenue.

The idea is to create a new entertainment spot similar to downtown San Diego and West Palm Beach, Fla.

The proposal is to eliminate the zoning code that requires a separation of 1,500 feet between taverns in an effort to transform the dilapidated area.

In addition to waiving the separation requirement the city would also offer relaxed parking restrictions and reduced business license fees.

Ultimately, the city would have to draft an ordinance creating the district and then forward it to the Planning Commission and City Council.

Coder said she would recommend against gaming in establishments that may be interested in opening in the district.

Mayor Oscar Goodman, who compares street criminals in the downtown area to a certain insect, said Metro must be involved in the proposal.

"We have to stomp out the cockroaches in order for this to be successful," Goodman said.

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