Council has no objections to Nellis noise report

Will Oremus

Thursday, July 3, 2003 | 9:27 a.m.

Nellis Air Force Base's new F-22 fighter jet makes a racket, but residents of surrounding communities probably won't hear it, base officials told the North Las Vegas City Council Wednesday night.

The new jet's effect on noise levels was a highlight of Nellis's new compatible land use report, which also outlines areas where crash risks are high and where certain types of development are discouraged.

Nellis plans to ask North Las Vegas to adopt the compatible use study as an official guideline for future planning, base community planner Joe Hart said.

City Council members voiced no objections to the report's findings, which show that the base has adapted its flight plans to minimize the impact on populated areas.

Mayor Michael Montandan said he appreciated Nellis' efforts to accommodate the interests of North Las Vegas, but added, "We're also asking you for help, because our relationship with Nellis and the ability of Nellis to continue is as critical to us as it is to you."

Hart stressed that Nellis wants to be a good neighbor while not compromising its mission.

He said the F-22's takeoffs and landings have been arranged so that the increased noise from the throaty planes will mainly affect unpopulated areas belonging to the federal Bureau of Land Management.

Also Wednesday, the council approved increased fees on building permits and a new fee for fire prevention services.

Mayor Michael Montandan said the hikes are needed to keep up with the city's rampant growth.

The fees on building permits, inspections and other administrative services will increase by an average of 9 percent.

Councilwoman Stephanie Smith proposed Wednesday that city staff look into planning a monthly farmer's market similar to the one in Henderson.