North Las Vegas votes to pursue restricting use of golf course

By Erin Dostal

Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010 | 7:15 p.m.

Shari Buck

Anita Wood

The North Las Vegas City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to pursue an ordinance restricting usage of Aliante Golf Course by non-golfers.

Many people have been using the course for recreational activities such as walking their dogs or biking.

On Aug. 9, more than 200 residents attended a meeting at Aliante Station. Many expressed concerns about the course being used as a park while others said they bought homes on the course so they could use it for other recreation.

During a special council meeting Wednesday, Mayor Shari Buck said the city never intended the golf course to be used as a park.

The real issue, she said, is that if the city allows some residents to have access to the course as non-golfers, everyone must have the same access.

Parks and Recreation Director Mike Henley said, “If the decision is made to open up to non-golf use, it would open up to the entire region or community.”

Henley, who gave a brief presentation Wednesday, said concerns about maintenance of the golf course and safety contributed to the staff’s recommendation to draft an ordinance restricting public use.

Resident Bob Borgersen said Henley’s presentation made “a lot of sense.”

“Sun City is a senior citizen, adult community, and we’ll put up a sign that says kids welcome,” Borgersen said. “It seems upside down in my opinion.”

Sun City resident Phyllis Levy said residents who use the golf course for walking already know it’s against the rules and shouldn’t be surprised if they are asked to stop.

“Our homes have been devalued, and now they will further be devalued in this horrific situation,” Levy said. “We have enough parks and recreation in Aliante for all to enjoy.”

No one at Wednesday’s meeting spoke in favor of allowing the course to be used for purposes other than golf.

Councilwoman Anita Wood voiced her support for the ordinance, adding that city staffers tried unsuccessfully to find a compromise.

“No matter what we do tonight...there’s going to be a few that are going to break the rules,” Wood said. “We’re going to need you guys to be reasonable in the expectations.”

Once the ordinance is drafted by staffers, it will have to come back to the council twice — once for introduction and again for final approval. No date has been set for the council to revisit the issue.

Councilman Robert Eliason was not at the meeting.