North Las Vegas briefs for October 7, 2004

Thursday, Oct. 7, 2004 | 9:29 a.m.

Fifth Street widening planned

North Las Vegas unveiled plans Wednesday to widen Fifth Street during the next 10 years, which would give the city another large north-south thoroughfare and would require the city to acquire land that is now in private hands.

The road would be widened from Las Vegas Boulevard North to the Las Vegas Beltway to include four travel lanes in each direction, a new median and space along the sides of the road for bicycle lanes and bus or train stops. That stretch of the road is now three lanes in each direction at its widest points.

The proposed widening would put the road another 50 feet into the adjacent properties, which upset some property owners.

Mayor Michael Montandon said construction of the widening is probably eight years away. Also, the possible use of eminent domain to get necessary land for the widening would also be years away, he said.

Montandon said there isn't a cost estimate for the project, which would likely be coordinated with the Regional Transportation Commission.

The City Council voted 4-0 Wednesday to change the city's master plan to show a wider North Fifth Street. Councilman William Robinson did not attend the Wednesday council meeting.

Lake Mead island plans changing

The North Las Vegas City Council on Wednesday agreed to a shift in development philosophy for the so-called Lake Mead island, but not until after Councilman Robert Eliason vented his frustration over the lack of development on the property, which is the first piece of the city seen by most visitors entering via Interstate 15.

The council agreed to focus on attracting smaller projects, such as business expansions, instead of large developments that have yet to materialize.

"Singles instead of a home run," City Manager Gregory Rose said.

But Eliason said he was upset that there was nothing to show for the years of effort the city has put into that area, a narrow stretch of land between the east and west lanes of Lake Mead Boulevard at the end of the ramps east of I-15.

During the past 3 1/2 years, North Las Vegas has spent more than $3.1 million buying and tearing down about 25 buildings on and around the so-called Lake Mead island.

The money comes from the city's redevelopment fund, which is made up with a portion of the tax revenue generated by the city redevelopment areas.