Parties remain split on thrill ride

Diana Sahagun

Monday, March 18, 2002 | 10:57 a.m.

Residents living in the shadow of the Stratosphere can usually pack a room with opposition to a proposed 700-foot thrill ride that would plummet from the tower and cross the Strip near their homes.

But on Friday only five residents met with Richard Brown, the Stratosphere's chief operating officer. At Brown's request, the number of residents was limited, but the sentiment was the same.

"It was a relaxed and courteous meeting, but we both agreed to disagree," said John Delikanakis, who heads the Beverly Green neighborhood association. "They're pursuing the project, because they believe it is in the best interest of their company. We are opposing the project it because it's in the best interest of the neighborhood for it not to move forward."

The last time Brown faced the residents was late last year, when he called a neighborhood meeting at a local elementary school to try to gain support. Instead, Brown was faced with opposition from hundreds of residents, some who got into a screaming match with the executive.

Stratosphere officials have played tug of war with residents living east of the Stratosphere since August, when the casino first proposed a 700-foot thrill ride that would drop riders down the tower, across Las Vegas Boulevard, and run up a steel tower fronting Paradise Road.

Local officials, including Councilman Gary Reese and Mayor Oscar Goodman, have rallied behind the residents, saying they are committed to protecting the residential community in the city's downtown.

As the Stratosphere prepares to present a scaled-back version of the ride to the city's Planning Commission in three weeks, Ben Contine, who heads the West Circle Neighborhood Association, said the neighbors will continue organizing and meeting with local officials in an effort to kill the project.

"The Stratosphere is going to have their point of view, but it is critical that the voices of the residents are heard," Contine said.

Stratosphere officials could not be reached for comment this morning.

The original proposal came before the City Council in November, but with overwhelming opposition from the neighbors, the Stratosphere withdrew the application, promising to bring the project back in some form.

Over the next few months new proposals were batted about, including running the ride toward Main Street or Sahara Avenue, without crossing the Strip.

In February the Stratosphere filed new plans with the city for a slower, shorter attraction that would send riders across Las Vegas Boulevard at 93 mph, compared with the previous 120 mph. The tower's height fronting Paradise has been reduced from 416 feet to 325 feet.