Rezoning effort rises again
The corner of Tenaya Way and Craig Road is again at the heart of a tug of war over what constitutes appropriate development in the neighborhood.
The debate involves a developer, worried residents and a beloved pet cemetery.
CT-1 LLC, which owns a 1-acre parcel on the northwest corner of the intersection, now wants the land rezoned for a bank. A similar proposal for a fast-food restaurant there last year was withdrawn in the face of community opposition.
The land is zoned for residential use and is occupied by an empty house. The Las Vegas Planning Commission will consider the bank proposal at a Thursday meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. in the Las Vegas City Council chambers.
"The proposed use ... is planned as a traditional neighborhood bank operation with normal hours of operation," said a letter from Warren Hardy II, a consultant working with the property owners. "We believe the property is not viable for development under its current zoning and general plan designation."
Furthermore, he said, the land on the east side of the intersection already is zoned for commercial use.
Commercial uses should stay on the east side of Tenaya Way, counter opponents to the rezoning. They cite agreements going back to when the parcel was annexed in 2006 to keep commercial development off of Craig Road to the west of Tenaya.
"It has long been held that Tenaya Way was the dividing line between commercial (and) residential, and just because the parcel is the last vacant piece in the area is no reason to allow commercial use," wrote resident Robert Jorden in comments to the Planning Commission.
"This change will set a precedent."
Dennis Mastny worries about that too. He owns the Craig Road Pet Cemetery, which occupies land next door to the site.
The plan for a 24-hour fast food restaurant was not compatible with a cemetery setting, he said, but if the land is to be developed, there are worse uses than offices.
"Something's got to go there, and a bank is a pretty decent fix for us," Mastny said. "The thing is, people are still upset because it wasn't supposed to be commercial."
The meeting is open to the public and public comments will be accepted.
Contact reporter Alan Choate at achoate@reviewjournal.com or 702-229-6435.
