Letter: Mount Charleston development problems need to be studied

There are some citizens in Las Vegas who seem to feel that Mount Charleston residents are over zealous in their protection of the mountain from development.

I hope they understand that we have a unique perspective. We are concerned not only with preserving the natural aesthetic, but with infrastructure problems. The current two lane road is not adequate to support additional development, nor can the volunteer fire department or small police presence effectively deal with sudden increases in recreational population density.

There are problems that need to be studied regarding the impact of development on availability of water supplies and the pollution of groundwater. The wildlife up here needs to be protected as well.

I also hope those in favor of development understand what has already been approved and is currently under construction: two miniature golf courses with 18 holes each; an ice skating rink with a restaurant; an Alpine Village that has offices, shops, a convenience store and two large dining areas; a 122-suite hotel with restaurants, coffee shops, health club, banquet facilities and meeting rooms; two additional convenience stores; a gas station; 600 parking spaces; a 104-unit condominium complex; horse corrals; tennis courts; and a sledding area.

Isn't this enough?

Dr. and Mrs. Michael DiGregorio

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It is interesting to watch the zoning commission waver back and forth over a parcel of land, to be built as a shopping mall, at Mount Charleston. It would appear that everything wanting to be built falls within the guidelines for the Northwest corridor.

It is inevitable that it will be built sooner or later by someone. Why not approve the individual that built the golf course, and now wants to build a shopping center with picnic areas. I would assume that his track record at Mount Charleston is good.

I cannot tell you how many times I have driven to Mount Charleston for a picnic and could not even find a site for a fire. Now is the time for approval of this new site.

J. Dennis Richey

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I recently attended the Clark County zoning hearing for the Mount Charleston Western Village proposal and was very surprised by the outcome. The County Commission decided to rehear what has already been heard and approved.

A recent article addressed the fact that these county commission meetings seem to run long and commissioners were quoted as saying that they need to "trim the fluff" from these meetings. I have a suggestion, let's trim the fat. What a waste of time and taxpayer's money.

What do we need to reconsider? I guess Commissioner Lance Malone admits that he made a mistake at the first hearing by recommending approval of the commercial project.

The northwest master plan land use guide has called for commercial and recreational use of this area for over 20 years. Obviously, prior Planning Commission members had the foresight to designate this area as commercial/ recreational to accommodate the valley's growth.

Paul Patterson

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