Commission OKs three 190-foot signs for Bellagio

No one doubted that the Bellagio hotel-casino was going to be a massive project when plans were unveiled, but few took into consideration the size of the signs that would have to accompany it.

Despite protests from county public works officials, the Bellagio was granted permission Wednesday to build three signs 190-feet tall that will be erected between the hotel and Interstate 15.

Public Works Director Marty Manning questioned the project because the signs will span the resort corridor frontage road once it's built. The county building code's says signs should be set back from right-of-ways.

But the code doesn't clearly define what should happen if the right-of-way is a future project.

"There is a loophole in the code draft and we're going to make amendments to that," said Lesa Coder, assistant planning director.

The Bellagio will be permitted to build the signs under the condition it agrees to dedicate the right-of-way to the county in the fall so the resort corridor -- which will be named Frank Sinatra Drive -- can be built.

Manning indicated he was frustrated with the little additions made by the Bellagio and its attorney, Mark Russell, while the county and hotel have tried to work out a final contract.

"The contract is full of things Mr. Russell would characterize as 'by the ways,' " Manning said.

Russell told the commission that the Bellagio will dedicate the right-of-way and said it has started many improvements despite the lack of a final agreement.

He cited the two pedestrian bridges over Las Vegas Boulevard as an example.

"The Bellagio has stepped forward and constructed facilities that normally the public would have to pay for," said Commission Bruce Woodbury before the commission voted unanimously to approve the signs.

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