Sunday, May 26, 2024 | 2 a.m.
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After seeing the results of the county planning commission, it appears the LDS temple juggernaut is rolling along, flattening any opposition from neighborhood residents.
It was never made clear to me why that spot was selected for the basilica when it would be obvious there would be neighborhood opposition. Nor was it ever spelled out why there could be no other spot, either on the entire northwest side or, more broadly, the entire west side of town.
Just driving around on the west side I could not help but notice other large empty tracks of land. And the shame of it all is that such opposition could have been avoided.
Imagine if the LDS church in Las Vegas had first spread the word throughout the valley in the newspapers and online, listing the problems of a needed second temple and the space needed, then asked valley residents to submit proposals for possible locations, either online or by mail. Maybe they could even have sponsored a contest, then listed the top three suggested locations, and had the community participate in the decision.
That would have the entire community get behind the idea. But instead, we have the situation of having something unwanted forced down the throats of many residents.
I hope the Clark County Commission will send this proposal back for further planning for a more popular location, so all residents can get behind it.
