Henderson plans to build pedestrian bridge on Stephanie Street

At her Sept. 22 Ward III Neighborhood Connection meeting, Councilwoman Kathleen Vermillion had three things to highlight: recycling, a proposed pedestrian bridge and an update about Union Village.

The meeting at the Whitney Mesa Recreation Center, 1575 Galleria Drive, was the second time Vermillion had held a Neighborhood Connection meeting for her ward.

Vermillion informed residents about a proposed pedestrian bridge to be built at Stephanie Street near Patrick Lane to help with accessibility.

The bridge would cost an estimated $150,000.

"We know the budget is tight," Vermillion said. "Since it is a capital project, we asked if other departments could make some sacrifices."

Vermillion said the city of Henderson is hoping to start construction in the next few months, but it is trying to reach out to homeowners associations to get their input on the project. Additionally, Henderson is trying to schedule a couple of town hall meetings to discuss the project and get input from residents .

The status of the pilot recycling program also was brought up.

Vermillion said Ward III was the first ward to start the program in Henderson. The program combined the separate red, blue and white recycling bins into one.

The program, Vermillion said, has been implemented in other parts of the city with success.

At the end of her presentation, Vermillion briefly updated the audience on the status of Union Village, the health and retail space scheduled to be built at U.S. Highway 95 and Galleria Drive.

"It is a gem property in the city," Vermillion said.

Vermillion said about 45,000 cars are estimated to go through that intersection each month, making the site ideal for Union Village's success.

"It's gonna be good, not just for Ward III but the entire city," Vermillion said.

The only question from the audience came from County Commissioner Steve Sisolak, who asked about the status of the proposed stadium project near the M Resort.

The project has been estimated to cost $1.3 billion.

"It is not a done deal," Mayor Andy Hafen said.

Hafen recently traveled to New York to meet with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley, proposed investors in the project, along with various consultants to discuss the project.

"All it boils down to is money," Hafen said. "Residents don't have to shell out one dime."

It is up to the Las Vegas National Sports Complex LLC and developer Chris Milam to come up with the money for the project, Hafen said.

Hafen said if all goes according to the developers' plan, construction could begin by summer 2012.

Vermillion also took time to explain her name change from Boutin.

"My children are older now," Vermillion said. "I have a 15-year-old and a 19-year-old. I always said as soon as they were older, I'd go back to my maiden name."

Vermillion also said she reconnected with her father's side of the family, strengthening her decision to change back.

"I think it is much nicer, and I hope you do, too," Vermillion said.

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