Timeshare project appealed

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 | 9:27 a.m.

A 43-story timeshare tower proposed by Orlando developer Westgate Resorts has been appealed to the Clark County Commission for a second time.

The project received approval from the Clark County Planning Commission May 8 but was appealed May 15 by county planning staff. It faces a County Commission vote June 4.

Staff "determined that this application is a project of significant impact therefore must be reviewed by the (County Commission)," the appeal said.

Westgate aimed to trim down the project from 688 units to 492 units to appease county planners. Planners had previously recommended denial of the project to county commissioners. The project -- which required height and setback waivers -- was removed from the commission agenda so Westgate could devise a smaller tower.

The tower is planned on hotel-zoned land and therefore only needs a use permit from the planning commission to move forward. But an appeal requires a further vote by the County Commission.

The project, which would be adjacent to the Showcase mall on one side and next to MGM Grand on the other, is also facing opposition from MGM Grand owner MGM MIRAGE. It would tower over neighboring casinos and dramatically change the skyline of Las Vegas.