City gets grant for study of toxic lots

The city of Las Vegas has received a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to redevelop four parcels of downtown property.

The brownfield grant is designated for empty lots that either contain or are perceived to contain toxins in the soil or groundwater. It's the first time the city has received such a grant.

The four areas chosen for the grant's program are or were home to dry cleaners, printing companies, chemical storage, equipment repair and fabrication, machine shops or junk yards.

The $200,000 is part of a pilot program given to cities to study the areas of concern. Once research is finished, the cities then can share their information with potential developers and other public agencies to find the best way to clean up or rehabilitate the lots.

The first area is bound by Martin Luther King Boulevard, Bonanza Avenue, Bruce Street/Maryland Parkway and Bonneville Avenue. The second lot is bound by Martin Luther King Boulevard, Eastern Avenue and the six blocks north of Charleston Boulevard. The third section is bound by Las Vegas Boulevard, Sahara Avenue, Western Avenue and Charleston Boulevard. The fourth region is bound by Martin Luther King Boulevard, Owens Avenue, Bruce Street and Bonanza Avenue.

According to the city's application to the EPA for the grant, there is shallow -- between 10-25 feet -- groundwater that has hindered many sub-surface excavations. Discoveries contamination in the surface soil also have slowed down redevelopment. Instead builders erect fast-track buildings that don't last longer than 10 years at most.

This short-term building cycle also has affected the lots surrounding the brownfields, the report read, leaving them in decline and disrepair.

The city will use the brownfield grant to study the areas outlined and host neighborhood meetings with residents and business owners to get input on the future development of the brownfield sites. All of the information gained through the program will be shared with other city, county and state agencies.

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