Thursday, July 07, 2005
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

North Las Vegas residents block pay day loan store

Residents fed up with the proliferation of pay day loan stores in North Las Vegas on Wednesday won an appeal to the City Council and prevented a new one from opening near the Craig Ranch Golf Course, which is slated to become a regional park.

City staffers reported that 27 pay day loan stores are operating in the city and that seven of those are on Craig Road, where the new store proposed opening.

Several opponents of the Check City's pay day loan store proposal criticized the business for offering loans at high interest rates. Others complained the business could bring down the value of their homes because of the type of customers it would attract.

Residents, Jeff Burgoz and Wes Kiser, said the city should consider other businesses for the commercial center at Craig and Revere Street before a pay day loan store.

"Let me give some examples of the types of businesses that aren't serving North Las Vegas," Kiser said. "New car dealerships, book stores like Barnes and Noble and Borders, computer or electronics stores. We can't even buy a pair of new Levi's jeans without leaving town."

But several pay day loan store customers spoke in support of opening the new store.

Carolyn Smith, 57, said she has used pay day loan services offered by Check City off and on since 1999.

"I don't feel ripped off," she said. "They work with you."

After the 4-1 vote to deny the application for Check City, business owner Jim Marchesi said he was disappointed. His lawyers said they believe the appeal filing was flawed and they would consider legal action against the city.