Drive-through access edging closer at The District

Vestar Development, the company that owns The District at Green Valley Ranch, is making strides to convert the pedestrian walkway into a street for vehicular traffic.

The company's zone change was approved 5-1, with Henderson Planning Commissioner Sean Fellows opposed, at a Jan. 17 Henderson Planning Commission meeting.

Jeffrey Axtell, the vice president of acquisitions and development for Vestar, presented his vision for Vestar's proposal at the meeting.

He hopes to have the project completed by October.

"We are working with the contractors to figure out a plan to do the physical work as least disruptive as possible," Axtell said.

The project cost is an estimated $5 million, which includes the construction of a two-lane road, about 40 angled parking spaces in front of stores and two "out only" side roads to help navigate traffic.

Axtell said part of that money includes marketing, landscaping and additions to community amenities such as park benches or a children's play area.

"We need more shade," Axtell said. "There are not a lot of places for people to sit down and relax."

The marketing campaign, he added, could include anything from having a farmers market to hosting a parade.

Axtell said the facility would still have the capacity to shut down portions of the street for special events.

Through adjustments, the company hopes it can draw big-name businesses such as Apple Inc. to fill the vacant spaces.

Since the idea surfaced, the project has drawn numerous complaints from the community.

The number of voices opposing the measure had increased since Vestar officially filed its zone change request in November.

Many of them have united to create the Car-Free District at GVR Facebook page, which has about 250 likes.

"I would hate to see this treasure go," said Julie Fisher, a 10-year Henderson resident who shops at the District five times a week.

At the meeting, 13 people commented about the project with a range of opinions.

Chris Connors, owner of Rachel's Kitchen inside the District, said he was initially opposed to the project until he found out more information about it.

"So many people say they had no idea we were in (The District)," Connors said.

He added that the problem is a lack of visibility, which was shared by other business owners. Connors thinks this could change with the proposed access road.

"I can see my revenue jumping 20 percent with to-go or pickup orders because of the project," he said.

He was joined by other business owners representing anything from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to The District Tavern Group who welcomed the project saying, "The street was originally designed to be open."

Others who have used the space to bring their children or walk their pets are concerned that the project would detract from the community.

Paul Black, who lives in a condominium at The District, was excited about the new marketing investment Vestar is bringing.

But as a resident, he is still concerned about safety.

"Right now, I step out and the chances of me getting hit by a car are zero," Black said. "With a road, that goes up."

Safety concerns from residents included the road's speed limit, if it would have speed bumps, if there would be traffic signals and access for fire engines.

"I just hope Vestar does the right thing," Black said. "I hope they continue to work with us on our issues."

The decision is slated to go before the Henderson City Council at 7 p.m. Feb. 5.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 702-387-5201.