Henderson briefs for Feb. 5, 2003

Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003 | 9:30 a.m.

Seniors housing project approved

A proposed $6.4 million four-story apartment complex for low-income senior citizens that would be among the tallest buildings in downtown Henderson was given final approval by the City Council on Tuesday.

Pacific Pines, a project of the private nonprofit developer Nevada H.A.N.D., will include 186 apartments in three buildings on 5.6 acres at 130 E. Pacific Ave. The property is owned in part by Mayor Jim Gibson, who was not present for the vote.

Among private developments in downtown Henderson only the blinking star above the Eldorado Casino would be higher than the planned 50-foot tall building that would be part of the apartment complex.

During a Henderson Planning Commission meeting in December some nearby residents complained the tall building would deprive their downtown back yards of privacy and sunlight.

Others said they supported the project because it would bring new affordable housing for seniors to downtown.

The council voted 4-0 on Tuesday to approve the project.

Lake Mead Drive becomes parkway

Lake Mead Drive in Henderson will soon be Lake Mead Parkway.

The Henderson City Council on Tuesday voted 4-0 to make the name change on the part of Lake Mead Drive from Gibson Road to the entrance of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

At Gibson Road, going west, the thoroughfare becomes Interstate 215, and west of Pecos Road, the street is called St. Rose Parkway.

The name change will reflect the status of the road as an entryway to the park, Mary Kay Peck, city community development director, said.