Costly fixes needed for pro tennis event

Dan Kulin

Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2005 | 9:12 a.m.

The ATP Tennis Channel Tournament coming to Las Vegas from Feb. 27 through March 5 is forcing some major -- and costly -- changes at the city's new tennis complex.

The city is paying $300,000, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is putting up $500,000 for the tournament in 2006. Those payments do not include the price of fixing up the Stacey and Amanda Darling Memorial Tennis Center.

The tournament-caused work could cost more than $600,000.

The coming changes include:

$363,000 to widen two courts to tournament required specifications, and to add lighting. To save time the city is using its own workers on this project, and $200,000 of this $363,000 item is the estimated cost of the city labor.

$95,000 for heaters and tents needed to keep the air warm while resurfacing. Deputy City Manager Steve Houchens, who is overseeing the improvements, said there is a good chance the tents won't be needed, which would save $90,000.

$60,000 to remove the south awning over the center court. At times the awning casts a shadow over part of center court.

$50,000 to pave and improve an area to the rear of the complex, which will be used for trailers and food service.

$35,000 to resurface three courts that will be used extensively during the tournament.

$12,000 to create a temporary parking lot next to the complex. City workers will do this work, and the value of their labor is not included in this estimate, as it was not known at this time.

The tournament is expected to generate $500,000 in free media coverage, plus infuse about $2.2 million into the local economy thanks to the 2,000 out-of-town visitors expected to attend the tournament, according to LVCVA documents.

Senate quiets Goodman

While talk of Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman possibly running for the U.S. Senate is gaining steam, the mayor uncharacteristically paused when asked about a possible Senate campaign last week.

The typically fast-talking mayor took about 30 seconds, and a follow-up question, to return to form, issuing what has become his standard response to questions about his thoughts of seeking higher office.

"I'm the happiest mayor in the world, the universe," Goodman finally said.

McDonald moving away from controversy

Former City Councilman Michael McDonald has apparently moved his proposed senior housing project out of a potential legal morass.

McDonald is negotiating with the city to buy the former Wonderland shopping center property, which is now vacant. McDonald wants to build a senior housing and assisted living center on the property along Decatur Boulevard near Vegas Drive.

Gone from McDonald's plan is the proposal that he also possibly would buy land behind the old shopping center.

That land is the site of condominiums. The city has bought several in recent years and demolished units.

Las Vegas is being sued by condominium residents who said officials used strong-arm tactics to push them to sell their homes to the city.

Dan Kulin can be reached at 259-8826 or at dan@lasvegassun.com.