Las Vegas City Commission Minutes, December 8, 1959 to February 17, 1960, lvc000012-76

Planning Director Franklin J. Bills presented the application of Vegas-Charleston, Ltd. for the rezoning of a piece of property located directly vest of Charleston Heights, stating this matter had been held in abeyance for two or three meetings by the Planning Commission, to determine the possible effect of the rezoning of this property on the proposed flood control channel. Mr. Bills advised at the last meeting of the Planning Commission it was sought to amend the application to reduce the proposed rezoning to the eastern half, based upon information received that the eastern half would not be affected by the flood control channel; however, since that meeting the Planning Commission had been informed the Corps of Army Engineers indicated it had no intention of changing their position from their original recommendation and, therefore, it was the recommendation of the Planning Commission that this rezoning be held in abeyance, pending a final determination of the course of the flood control channel. Mr. Samuel S. Lionel, attorney for Vegas-Charleston, Ltd., stated this land had been annexed to the City over four years ago; that his clients had developed most of Charleston Heights and intended to develop this half section, and they had only four sites left to develop. Mr. Lionel advised the Commission this matter had been before the Planning Commission on three different occasions during the last six weeks; that Mr. Sauer informed Mr. Lionel there would be no flood control channel necessary in the eastern half, but that the flood control channel should be along the westerly boundary. It was Mr. Lionel's contention they should not be stopped from developing the property in question because of the Corps of Army Engineers, and, since the property was zoned Ranch Estates at the present time, they certainly had the right to build ranch homes; however, according to the Master Plan it was his understanding the entire area would be high density. (Planning Director Bills corrected this statement, advising the property would be low density, or tract type homes.) Mr. Lionel continued by stating it was his thought they should not be required to return again and again, and if they had not asked to have the entire section rezoned, this matter could have been before the Commission four weeks ago. A discussion of the location of the flood control channel followed between Commissioner Sharp, Deputy Director of Public Works Uehling and City Manager Kennedy, all of whom were of the opinion the flood control line should be established as soon as possible. Commissioner Fountain expressed doubt that the Corps of Army Engineers would take prompt action, based on previous experience, adding a definite line for the flood control channel had never been spelled out. City Manager Kennedy advised the Corps of Army Engineers had requests a line and it was his thought the City of Las Vegas, City of North Las Vegas and the County would have to meet and agree on this line. Commissioner Whipple moved this matter be referred back to the Planning Commission and that it be again presented at the next meeting. City Manager Kennedy stated he thought the matter could be settled if the City Commission would contact the Chairman of the Flood Control Board and arrange for a meeting. Commissioner Sharp moved the City Manager be authorized to set up a meeting between the Flood Control Board, City Planning Commission and any other interested parties for the purpose of establishing a flood control channel. Commissioner Whipple withdrew his motion and seconded the motion of Commissioner Sharp. Motion carried by the following vote: Commissioners Elwell, Sharp, Whipple and His Honor, Mayor Gragson, voting aye; Commissioner Fountain voting no. Mr. Ralph Kramer, representing a Mr. Baker, advised a 12" sewer line had been run up Alta from Decatur for this parcel of property, which involved quite an expense and it was his thought progress should not be slowed up. Mr. Lionel stated he failed to see what effect a rezoning from Ranch Estates to R-1 would have upon where the flood control channel will go and again requested that the rezoning requested be approved, adding that over one-half million in property was standing idle. His Honor, Mayor Gragson, stated they only desired to hold this matter in abeyance for approximately two weeks, and Commissioner Whipple explained if the rezoning were granted now, the City would have to condemn many more pieces of property at the time the flood control channel was put in, than if it remained R-E. Commissioner Fountain did not think the flood control line could be determined by the next meeting, and City Manager Kennedy stated he was sure this could be done. 2-17-60 REZONING (Z-46-59) Vegas-Charleston, Ltd. Held in Abeyance