LOOKING IN ON: THE SUBURBS

Friday, Feb. 9, 2007 | 7:08 a.m.

The gateway to Henderson that many envision becoming a second Strip took another small step forward this week.

The Henderson City Council approved an additional zone change Tuesday that would allow developer Anthony Marnell III to continue with plans to build a hotel and casino at St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Boulevard South.

The change added 15 acres to the previously approved site for the $1.8 billion M Resort.

There was no opposition to the change at a Planning Commission hearing last month or at Tuesday's meeting, where council members passed the measure without discussion.

Marnell plans to build 2,000 hotel rooms and 1,944 condominiums at the site. The 7 million-square-foot facility also will include a movie theater and amphitheater.

It's only one slice of the area that developers expect to boom over the next decade.

On the northwest corner of the intersection, Gary Goett wants to build the $2 billion Southern Highlands Resort. Nearby, he already has developed Southern Highlands, a 7,000-home master-planned community near St. Rose and Interstate 15.

Also at Tuesday's Henderson City Council meeting, the council introduced an ordinance making brandishing imitation firearms - air and BB guns - a crime.

About 20 states have adopted laws governing the use of nonpowder guns, a list that Henderson likely will join.

In 2006 Henderson police responded to more than 30 calls involving BB or air guns, including kids shooting at animals and adults pointing the guns, which often look like real weapons, at fellow motorists.

The proposed measure would make it illegal to use a BB or air gun in any way that it would be illegal to use a firearm. It would not, however, make it illegal to shoot or own the guns.

Gary Kallam, a homeless man, will be allowed to run for mayor in Boulder City.

Kallam had been uncertain whether living within city limits - but without a specific address - established him as an official resident.

After researching the city code, officials said Kallam is officially a candidate.

"He's registered to vote," City Clerk Pam Malmstrom said. "He has a Nevada ID."

Kallam will appear on the ballot along with Councilmen Roger Tobler and Mike Pacini, as well as lawyer Roger Harris.