Editorial: Response to Sky-Vue has been strong

Tuesday, June 15, 2004 | 8:50 a.m.

We were critical of the city of Las Vegas this past spring after Sun reporter Sito Negron disclosed the deplorable conditions at Sky-Vue Mobile Home Park. We faulted the city for neglecting its code enforcement responsibilities, which contributed to the park's continual decay. By the time of our disclosures, residents were drinking out of hoses that were submerged in sewage, and fire was a constant threat because of wiring problems and a lack of hydrants.

But since the articles appeared, the city has acted appropriately. Citing health and safety issues, the city closed the park April 30. It provided temporary shelter for displaced residents and their pets until permanent housing could be found. It paid for the residents' moving expenses and hired security patrols to protect their belongings.

On Wednesday the City Council will decide whether to send a bill for these services to the park's owners, David and Sandi DiMarco. In our view, there is no question that the DiMarcos should pay for the city's intervention, which so far has cost $78,418. The DiMarcos are the ones who failed to abide by residential codes. They, not city taxpayers, should be held accountable.

The city is following up its closure of the park by preparing a formal notice to be sent to the DiMarcos, demanding that they, within a month, devise a plan for repairing the park. Additionally, the state, Clark County, and the Clark County Health District are all commencing action against the DiMarcos relating to conditions at Sky-Vue and two other properties owned by the couple. These actions could result in fines amounting to thousands of dollars.

We feel the combined response to the violations on properties owned by the DiMarcos has been strong -- strong enough to get the attention of other property owners who routinely violate codes. To keep their attention, however, more code inspectors must be hired and sent proactively into neighborhoods. The question, "How did it ever get so bad?" should never have to be asked again.