Editorial: Goodman’s vision has served city

Thursday, Jan. 8, 2004 | 9:09 a.m.

The setting for Tuesday's "State of the City" speech by Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman was appropriate. He spoke at the Las Vegas Premium Outlets mall on Grand Central Boulevard in the city's downtown. Since its August opening, the mall has been a hit with shoppers and downtown has reaped the benefits of increased visits by people with money to spend.

In the five years that Goodman has been in office, downtown has taken on a new life. After years of failed projects and a central focus on fortifying the gaming industry, Goodman came into office with a vision for opening up downtown. He attracted large and small businesses by creating an inviting atmosphere for them, whether they were related to gaming or not. He recognized the need for apartments for downtown workers and succeeded in attracting them. Office complexes have been built to diversify the downtown workforce. Although its future is uncertain, the mayor overcame significant barriers to the opening of the Neonopolis entertainment center. Under his watch the downtown arts district has been invigorated. He has plans for replacing the gritty bars on East Fremont Street with an entertainment district featuring classy nightclubs.

A risk taker, Goodman four years ago led the city's acquisition of 61 acres of former railroad land in a prime downtown location. It cost the city $2 million and a 97-acre technology park in northwest Las Vegas. Goodman's vision for the downtown property as an "urban village," if it comes to pass, will have been worth the price. Planning is under way for a performing arts center on the acreage, as well as an academic medical center, variously sized office, residential and retail complexes, and parks -- all connected to public transportation.

We have criticized Goodman on other issues involving downtown, such as his unenlightened policies toward homeless people and his objection to court rulings guaranteeing free speech at the Fremont Street Experience. But in regard to transforming downtown, the mayor has a coherent and energetic vision that has, on balance, served the city well.