Suit over sports complex dismissed

A lawsuit filed by a Las Vegas couple against the city of Las Vegas over a skating and ballpark complex currently under construction near their Summerlin home has been tossed out of court.

District Judge Nancy Becker ruled Monday that the City Council did nothing wrong when it approved the 18-acre Las Vegas Sportspark near Rampart Boulevard and Vegas Drive on land that already had been zoned for that use.

The ultimate decision in the case, however, likely will be handed down by the Nevada Supreme Court after the complex is completed.

Matthew Callister, attorney for Dr. Leon and Faye Steinberg, said after the hearing that he plans to appeal Becker's decision.

Callister argued that the Steinbergs had no knowledge of public hearings before the City Council vote on July 14, 1997, that resulted in the approval of the park next to their residential area.

But Becker ruled there had been adequate notice of the contract that had been approved in a vote at a public hearing. She said that court documents filed by the couple indicated they had knowledge of the pending recreation project.

The judge said that just because affected individuals didn't like the council's vote, "It's not a basis for a lawsuit.

"I understand these people are upset, but they had a chance to protest ... and the city of Las Vegas decided the benefits outweighed the didsadvantages. There is no basis for the court to overturn the decision."

Becker added that while the developer would have a right to appeal an adverse City Council ruling through a District Court lawsuit, the general public does not.

The Steinbergs, miffed by what they contended was a sweetheart lease deal for the complex, had sought an injunction to prevent Las Vegas Sportspark Ltd. from developing the site adjacent to the home they purchased in 1993.

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