Council approves apartment complex despite objections

Dan Kulin

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2003 | 9:44 a.m.

Despite strong objections from a vocal group of neighbors, the North Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday approved plans for a 286-unit residential development north of the North Las Vegas Airport.

The approved development plan calls for building 143 duplexes on 33 acres between Allen Lane and Valley Drive, south of Colton Avenue. The land was part of planned business park that was part of the city's Cheyenne Technology Corridor.

Neighbors of the 33 acres told the council Wednesday that they are concerned the duplexes will turn into rental properties, which will hurt the value of their homes. They were also concerned about increased traffic and upset that the zoning for the land was being changed after being told businesses would go on the property.

"Leave it as a business park, we need jobs here," neighbor Patrick Leary said. Leary also said that if businesses instead of residences are put on the property, there would be less traffic at night.

The council voted 4-1 to approve the rezoning and residential development.

Councilwoman Shari Buck, the lone vote against the project, said the neighbors all had valid concerns.

"Also, residents have an expectation when they buy a home that what's going near them is going to be what they were told it would be," Buck said.

Councilwoman Stephanie Smith said that while she struggled with her decision to support the project, she ultimately decided that the city shouldn't it turn down, because there are residential developments all around the property.

Smith said it would be inconsistent of the council to turn down this project after allowing the other residential developments.

Robert Gronauer, attorney for project developer Innovative Resort Communities, said the duplexes will be in a gated community with a 5-acre park.

The homes will cost $167,000 to $191,000 each, he said. Also, the development will restrict prospect buyers to one unit each in an effort to prevent investors from turning the homes into rentals.