Reader expresses dissatisfaction with Downtown Summerlin

READER DISSATISFIED WITH DOWNTOWN SUMMERLIN

Other than high gas prices and having to pump my own gas, moving to Las Vegas from New Jersey six years ago proved to be exactly what I wanted: extremely low property taxes, no state income tax, no multi-car accidents during icy snowstorms, no tracking in mud to my car or home during a pouring rain and free parking everywhere — or a few bucks tip for the valet. Everything has been great until I went to Downtown Summerlin this past weekend. I thought I was back in New Jersey: 20 minutes to circle the complex with no parking available near where I wanted to go. At the corner of sections A + C was Trader Joe’s, where you would have to compete for spots with Sports Authority and all other shops — unless you wanted to carry everything to the parking garage across the way (similar to McCarran International Airport parking). Going to my favorite hamburger place, Five Guys, proved impossible, with extremely limited in and out parking also designed for sushi, pizza and Moe’s Southwest Grill. All spots in front of neighboring Old Navy, etc. were filled — most likely with cars for Dillard’s. I’ll continue going to Trader Joe’s on Rainbow, Dillard’s at Meadows mall and Five Guys at Flamingo Road and the 215 Beltway. Why should I have to relive my past life in NJ for the privilege of seeing some new restaurants? I’ll do that with easy parking at the Red Rock Casino and its changing lineup of different eateries.

— Bruce A. Kesselman, Las Vegas