June 2005

Last month, in the story about the “Evolution of Las Vegas,” I stated, “…The Green Valley Ranch District and The Curve (near Decatur Boulevard at the 215 beltway) are great places for them.” Correction: The Curve is actually located near Durango Drive at the 215 Beltway. Read on to learn more about this new urban center.

The Curve At Durango
Nevada Living reports, “A 47.5-acre development…(The Curve) will be a suburban-village environment …that is combined with urban conveniences for living, working, shopping, dining and entertainment. Pedestrian plazas and an urban park are located within the shopping promenade…that provides a large central area for residents and visitors to enjoy.” With this approach to urbanizing Las Vegas we will soon see that we do not have to depend on our automobiles.
Urbanization is a revolutionary way of bringing more industry and residences to our valley that will certainly generate more commerce. “There will be 12 buildings with 109,653 square feet of retail and restaurant space…and 61,201 square feet of commercial office space… located above the retail stores.” The article goes on to say, “The Curve will feature high-rise living…resort amenities, retail boutiques, restaurants and intermixed office space.” The article also reported, “The Curve began taking reservations in March, and construction…is set to begin in early 2006.”
Another area we can expect high-density development is right down the street. In fact, I have even contacted Urban Village. I am still waiting on more detailed information to be released.

A Detention Basin to Help Control Flooding
On April 26th, 2005 several local homeowners attended the community meeting held at Antigua Condominium’s Clubhouse. “This is the biggest turn out yet,” Luis Cervantes, General Manager of Eldorado Development Company said. The quarterly gathering was held so we could ask the people who had answers to the questions we had about the presence of Impact/ Cactus Sand and Gravel.
“When we started here (10 years ago) the nearest house was a mile and a half away,” Bill Wadley, President of Impact Sand and Gravel said. He also said, “The gravel pit was originally developed to be a detention basin…with sports fields in the bottom.”
During the open forum many voiced their opinion about the condition of the road and the placement of the stop sign. “Sometimes the big trucks don’t even slow down when they come out of the pit,” one concerned citizen exclaimed.
Cervantes replied, “The truck drivers are independent but we will fix the road.” I followed up with him again on June 20. He said, “The potholes are fixed and we are working on the stop sing issue.”
According to an article in the Las Vegas Sun, “The County Commission gave the gravel pit a lease on life…” until summer of 2010. So, until then we should attend the quarterly community meetings to voice our concerns. I will let you know when the next one is scheduled.

Current Plans for Vacant Lots
In the Area?
I was asked to report an update on the future plans for the vacant lots in our neighborhood. According to the Clark County Assessor, most of the unoccupied lots around us are zoned for two homes per acre or rural estates, R-E.
The Canarelli Family, and Impact Sand and Gravel Inc., own the 75 +/- acre gravel pit; more than likely it will become a detention basin/park.
The 1.49 acre lot next to Roberto’s on the northeast corner of Cactus Avenue at Bermuda Road is owned by American Food and Drug Inc. (better known as Save-on Drug and Albertson’s Grocery Store). East of that Milano Residences LLC owns a 2.41-acre lot. These two lots are currently zoned C-2 or General Commercial and are also known as Bermuda Cactus Shopping Center. These two lots together would be a great place for a grocery/drug store.
Terramina LLC, also known as Kimball Hill Homes Nevada Inc., owns the vacant land south of Canyons 3 and 4. This area will be developed into single-family residences and town-homes. There is a five-acre parcel directly east of Liberty High School that will become a park. I will continue to keep you informed as our community develops.

Where will we go form here?
As more and more people learn about Las Vegas’s bustling economy the more people want to make our city their home too. Did you know that in the greater Las Vegas area, the 89123 zip code is amongst the most desired areas to live. Some homes have appreciated twice their original value (and more). An article in the Las Vegas Review Journal said, “For many Las Vegans who sold their homes last year, they probably made more money from the increased value of their homes than they did at their jobs.” I cannot help but feel fortunate because I bought my house in the right city. By writing and publishing the Las Vegas South-Valley Reader, I am also educating myself. I am your area expert. I, Brad Emens 808-3531, welcome your questions.