Obtrusions part of life for Balsam residents

By Jenny Davis

Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008 | midnight

The front yards of the ranch homes on a section of Balsam Street extend about 30 feet and are full of massive cacti gardens, wagon wheels and wooden rocking chairs. Many homes have antlers hanging atop the garages. The homes were built about 40 years ago and a handful of residents have been there the entire time.

However, the small street that now has only 16 homes, near Rainbow Boulevard and Lone Mountain Road, isn't in the rural neighborhood it was when it was built.

Las Vegas growth has been evident around the small street, including the building of the Sante Fe Station on the north side of Lone Mountain. And eventually the street, which is an island of county land surrounded by the city, will probably be turned into an office building.

Until then, however, the small street is being surrounded by development.

The Las Vegas City Council on Aug. 20 approved a zone change that will permit a six-acre business park on Rainbow Boulevard, which will be east of the street; and a 70,000-square-foot mini-storge warehouse to the south of Balsam Street. About two months ago, the City Council approved a 11.45-acre apartment complex that will be to the west of Balsam Street and plans are in the works for a two-story office building also to the south of Balsam Street..

Frank Comparoni, who has lived in his Balsam Street home for 34 years, said he understands the need for growth and development in the area, but feels defeated. He was the only one of the neighbors who attended the city council meeting.

"None of my neighbors showed up, I think they've all given up," he said.

Three old homes were demolished to level the land for the future apartment complex, and residents know they will be moving soon as well. About half of the homes have for sale signs up in their yards.

Bill Roberts of WJR Consulting, the firm representing Ashjian Development, developer for the business park and storage units, said the street is transitional and will eventually be a large business park.

"The homeowners there are either trying to sell their homes or holding out until they get the right price," Roberts said. "It's no longer a residential corridor. The idea of ranch homes in that area isn't reasonable. The city recognizes it, they've zoned the surrounding land for office."

Comparoni said all the development has made him want to move to another part of town that is not so developed, but he can't find a buyer.

"I'd move in a second," he said. "But these days, where do you go?"

To begin development for the office park and mini-storage, the developer received approval to change the zone from Office to Light Industrial and Office Park.

Light Industrial means it could be used for houses of worship, convalescent care facilities, trade schools, employment agencies, radio broadcasting or museums.

No businesses have made commitments to the park yet, and construction for the business park will not begin for another year and a half.

The 51,250-square-foot storage facility on the south part of Balsam Street will include 18,100 square feet of office space.

"This is a growing area and facilities are needed in this northwest part of town," Roberts said.

Jenny Davis is a reporter for the Home News. She can be reached at 990-8921 or [email protected].