January 2005

New Urbanism Proposal
Have you ever heard the term “New Urbanism?” While researching for this month’s South Valley Reader I learned that New Urbanism is actually old urbanism.
After WWII, when American men and women returned to their normal lives, the family car influenced how they lived. The car allowed people to live a significant distance from were they worked. Urbanism nowadays, or the way we build our neighborhoods and commercial areas, has led to the dependence on our cars. Look, do we not depend on our cars to go to the market, the movies, and even the gym?
Part of our valley’s future plan is to go back to pre-war urbanism. You can expect a new town center, friendly to all, just down the road. According to a November 4, 2004 article in OneLasVegas.com, “Focus Property Group, and a consortium of seven homebuilders, completed the purchase of the 1,940 acres of land located adjacent to the Anthem community” and Henderson Executive Airport. The seven homebuilders include; KB Homes, Toll Brothers, Woodside Homes, Kimball Hill Homes, Pardee Homes, Meritage Homes, and Beazer Homes.
Focus Property Group is working with the City of Henderson to introduce New Urbanism to the Las Vegas valley. This New Urbanism concept will bring together a pedestrian oriented infrastructure, connectivity between residential, commercial, and public, open space, and an increase in efficiency when it comes to the use of water and undeveloped areas. The article said, “New Urbanism addresses two of the most critical issues facing our community today; affordability and water use.”
The article goes on to say; we will not be seeing homes or businesses opening any time soon. “Focus Property Group estimates that the builders will be ready to open their first model homes in the new community in the fourth quarter of 2006.” Before we see any buildings go up we will see the sewer and streets go in.

New Interchange For Interstate 15 at Blue Diamond Road
Have you ever tried to use the Blue Diamond Road exit at I15 during rush hour? If you have, then you know a larger interchange is long overdue. According to the article titled, “Blue Diamond Interchange moves forward” in Business Press last month, written by Tony Illia, “The long awaited new Blue Diamond Road Interchange at I15 will begin construction in early 2005.” Illia goes on to say, “The $26 million, one and a half year project…will be six lanes wide.” It is only two lanes wide at this time. This is yet another sign of our area developing.

Silverado Ranch Boulevard
I, Brad Emens, personally look forward to the construction on Silverado Ranch Boulevard to be over. On January 14, 2005 I questioned “Henry” from Southern Nevada Paving. I asked him, “How much longer until this stretch of road will be finished?”
“Give us at least three more months,” he said confidently.
“So,” I said, “From Eastern Avenue to Las Vegas Boulevard we will be able to drive fifty-five miles per hour,” with a laugh.
He chuckled and said, “Shoot, you could do sixty-five…if you don’t get caught!” The current speed limit on Silverado Ranch Boulevard is 35 MPH. Drive carefully, please.
I really look forward to seeing what the completion of Silverado Ranch Boulevard brings to our community. With easier access and less congestion we will see Silverado Ranch Boulevard grow into an active and bustling part of our city.

Silverado Ranch Boulevard Junction With Interstate 15
According to Omar Sofradzija, from the Las Vegas Review Journal, we can expect work to begin on our freeway access “…in the next few months…” The interchange will link Silverado Ranch Boulevard and Gomer Road (what Silverado Ranch Boulevard turns into west of I15). Work on this project is expected to take about one year. The article states, “Silverado Ranch Boulevard Interchange is estimated to be completed by the end of next December.” As the south valley becomes established one can expect other freeway interchanges at various other locations.

Future Roads In Our Area
According to the City of Henderson’s Master Streets and Highways Plan we can expect not only an interchange for Silverado Ranch Boulevard but also one for Cactus Avenue and another at Starr Road. These improvements should alleviate the congestion on South Eastern and South Las Vegas Boulevard.
The Master Streets and Highways Plan shows an entire network of roads, streets, and parkways south of St. Rose Parkway and east of I15. The plan shows Maryland Parkway will intersect with South Las Vegas Boulevard…someday. These are exciting times to live in Las Vegas and especially the south valley.

Happy Birthday Las Vegas!
On May 15, 2005, Las Vegas will celebrate its 100th Birthday! This historic occasion has something to offer everyone. The Centennial Celebration Committee has promised to commemorate our 100th Birthday as only Las Vegas can! As special events come up I, Brad Emens, will let you know. The oficial website is www.lasvegas2005.org/