Station’s tower foes expected at meeting

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2003 | 11:24 a.m.

Station Casinos and opponents of the company's plan to build a 300-foot tower in Summerlin are expected to square off at tonight's meeting of the Clark County Planning Commission.

The planning commission meeting comes two nights after a community meeting drew about 250 people. Land-use consultant Greg Borgel, who is representing Station Casinos, said Wednesday that the company has not changed its plans to build a 1,500-room hotel with the controversial tower at the intersection of Charleston Boulevard and the Las Vegas Beltway.

Carolyn Edwards, one of the community activists and Summerlin residents who oppose Station Casinos' request to build the tower, said she expects a large crowd to come to tonight's meeting.

"We're hoping they hold it," Edwards said. "If they don't, we will just argue the merits or demerits of the case."

Edwards and other opponents argue that the tower will interrupt views of the Red Rock National Conservation Area, and that Summerlin is not an appropriate place for a "destination resort."

"This isn't just about a view," she said. "The view is an issue, but this is about encroachment of Strip-like casinos in our neighborhoods."

Lesley Pittman, Station vice president, said her company had the meeting in Summerlin to gather feedback from residents. She said the company plans to have further discussions with concerned residents even as it moves forward with its plans.

"We have taken the comment cards," she said. "We had an opportunity to talk to a lot of people out there.

"We recognize people have concerns, and we want to meet with them."

Pittman said concerns for the impact on the view and on the surrounding residential areas have been overstated. She said the company also has supporters in the Summerlin area.

"There are individuals in the Summerlin area that have genuine concerns, but I also think we have a substantial number of supporters out there," Pittman said.

The planning commission usually serves as an advisory panel for the Clark County Commission, which will give the final approval or denial of the tower request. The commission is scheduled to hear the issue and make a decision Nov. 19.