County to study easing rules on auto repairs

Thursday, July 22, 2004 | 9:44 a.m.

Clark County could soon open the door for people to work on restoring vintage cars and building race cars in residential areas.

The Clark County Commission, at the urging of Commissioner Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, approved Wednesday creating a committee to look at changing zoning rules to allow some work on cars. The move was in reaction to a request for a change to the zoning rules from Sunrise Manor resident David Quatero, who said he buys old cars on eBay, restores vintage automobiles, and builds race cars at his home, prompting complaints to the county from some of his neighbors.

County officials and the debaters said previous meetings on the issue have included verbal confrontations, so two uniformed Metro Police officers stood by while the debate unfolded.

"That was just precautionary," said Clark County Administrative Services Director Don Burnette.

Robert Craddock, Quatero's neighbor, said he is willing to work with the car enthusiasts but the issue has been a long-festering dispute in Sunrise Manor. Craddock, an eight-term member of the Nevada Assembly, said the verbal confrontations have gone on for years over Quatero's work on cars in the back yard.

Craddock said the work has divided the neighborhood.

Quatero, who runs an auto repair shop, said he takes apart and fixes up cars for a hobby with his family. He said the fight to keep working on cars is about freedom, and said he would try to work with people to find a compromise.

"If we don't work it out, what's going to happen to me and my hobby?" Quatero asked.