Growth in the west calls for balancing act with master plan

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003 | 8:51 a.m.

The Henderson City Council amended its master plan to balance growth along the city's western edge, but agreed to meet with concerned property owners in one section of town.

The 6,900 acres located south of St. Rose Parkway and east of Las Vegas Boulevard will offer a mix of homes and commercial development, officials said at Tuesday night's council meeting.

A financial study suggested more business and medium residential zoning for the area, said Stephanie Garcia of the city's Community Development Department.

As a shortage of state and federal funds looms, Mayor James Gibson said it is critical that the city balance its development and change the master plan.

"Growth paying for growth becomes more important to us every day," Gibson said.

However, property owners southwest of Henderson Executive Airport asked to meet with city staff over the proposed changes to the plan. They are worried about a drop in property values if the land use changes.

Henderson resident Marlene Michaels said she was concerned about the drop in value of a 5-acre parcel she acquired in August. Under the current zoning rules, the property could be developed with 4 acres of high density housing and 1 acre of commercial development. The zoning change would require medium density housing.

The change could cause the value of the property to plunge from $750,000 to roughly $300,000, Michaels said.

The council agreed to extend negotiations with the property owners.

"We are very grateful for the way Henderson officials listen to residents," Michaels said after the meeting.

In addition, Del Webb and Pulte Homes asked the council to extend a proposed 60-foot wide road known as the Anthem West Henderson connector to 80 feet.

The council voted unanimously to approve the road project.