County commissioners back reduced height for crosses outside church

Three crosses proposed for a church would've stretched heavenward too much for some residents' liking.

Clark County commissioners sided with neighbors who opposed a pastor's attempt to place three crosses -- 90 feet, 80 feet and 70 feet tall -- at the South Hills Church Community, which is scheduled to open by October in the southeast valley.

They would have towered above the normal 35-foot height limit and would have needed a waiver.

The commission approved shorter versions of 50 feet, 40 feet and 35 feet for the crosses, which would stand near the Las Vegas Beltway and St. Rose Parkway.

Pastor Bret Johnson said he thought the proposed crosses would slide through because they would be set up next to a major intersection.

A donor had offered the taller crosses as a gift, and the shortened ones would look out of proportion next to the 36-foot-tall church, he said.

"I think we got slammed, especially by Commissioner (Steve) Sisolak," Johnson said.

The area, known as Serene Estates, fell in Sisolak's district. For commissioners to defer to a colleague who oversees an area in dispute is standard practice.

Sisolak said he was a "God-fearing man" and was not put off by the Christian symbolism. Instead, he worried that allowing crosses of such height would set a precedent for other businesses, be it a car wash or burger stand, to demand hulking signs.

The church will be 40,000 square feet with a 5-acre parking lot. An estimated 1,200 people will attend services, most of whom live outside the area.

A few neighbors said they welcomed a church but not a trio of crosses that are two or three times the building's height.

"This is a very clear, visible pollution," said Leo Vanderharst, arguing that they would obstruct the view of the valley.

Elizabeth Buchwald, another resident, said she could not understand why the pastor would want such tall crosses.

"Except if it's an ego thing," she said.

Johnson said he was not making an "ego statement," nor was he trying to outdo other churches. He wanted to honor his donor and erect crosses that could be seen from the freeway.

"This is not a commercial billboard. It's not flashy," said Alain Rivard, the project's architect. "It reflects my client's beliefs."

Sisolak asked whether the proposed height or number had biblical significance.

The height has none, but the number does, replied Johnson, explaining that three crosses stood where Jesus Christ was crucified.

Noah Mayfield, who does not live in the neighborhood but owns about 10 properties there, said he was puzzled by the backlash.

"I can't imagine it hurting anyone who has spoken," Mayfield said.

Johnson said he is not surprised he met resistance in Serene Estates, where residents fight to preserve the semirural character.

"They're one of the most vocal areas of the county," he said.

Contact reporter Scott Wyland at swyland@reviewjournal.com or 702-455-4519.