Goodman wants more say in developing of prime 61 acres

Friday, Oct. 25, 2002 | 11:03 a.m.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman has asked City Manager Doug Selby to look into the possibility of the mayor's office overseeing development of 61 acres of prime downtown land.

At his weekly news conference Thursday, Goodman said he felt the city's Office of Business Development should "focus on attracting business" to the former Union Pacific Railroad yards purchased in 2000 while he focuses "on overseeing development" of the property.

At question is whether under a city manager form of government a mayor is permitted to take the responsibility of identifying a developer for the project and overseeing the developer's work.

Goodman's comments come on the heels of the failed efforts of developer Southwest Sports Group, which wanted to put a minor league baseball stadium on part of the site. Goodman steadfastly opposed using taxpayer funds to develop such a project and reiterated that Thursday.

Now the city once again is focusing on projects that an independent study says is more feasible uses of the land -- an academic medical center, residential housing, office space and a performing arts center.

Lesa Coder, director of the Office of Business Development, said from the start it has been anticipated that outside parties would manage the project, not the OBD. She said they could bring in more potential developers.

She agreed with Goodman that her office's role is to bring more business to various areas of town, but declined to comment as to whether a mayor could oversee the development under the form of municipal government Las Vegas has adopted.

"The fact is the entire City Council will have to vote (on development decisions)," Coder said today. "This project does warrant direct attention."

Goodman, after his news conference, told reporters that his comments were "not meant to detract from the OBD" or Coder, said spokeswoman Elaine Sanchez.

Goodman was attending religious services and other Nevada Day holiday activities and could not immediately be reached for comment today.

Goodman has on several occasions noted that he hopes a big part of his legacy will be the development of downtown Las Vegas. And although many factors are involved, he will be singled out for whatever direction it takes. Given that scenario, Goodman believes he should have input in where the project is headed, he said.