April 17, 2008

West Las Vegas Neighborhood Hosts Community Planning Workshop

Residents Team With Planners for One-day Workshop to Brainstorm Revitalization

West Las Vegas residents will team up with certified planning professionals from across the country for a day-long workshop on April 27 at Nevada Partners, 710 W. Lake Mead Boulevard. The workshop is part of the American Planning Association’s 100th National Planning Conference that runs April 27–May 1, 2008.

Planning experts will pair with those who call West Las Vegas home, to share their collective expertise in revitalizing communities. The goal is to develop a unified vision and strategy that is agreeable to local stakeholders and preserves the history and culture of the community. Topics will include growth, land use, housing, culture, historic preservation, and community services.  

West Las Vegas is a 3.5 square mile area centrally located in the city. Since the 1930s, the area was commonly referred to as the "Westside" and home to a large African American population. The community has a rich history, including the first integrated casino in Las Vegas, the Moulin Rouge. Legendary celebrities Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Lena Horne, Nat King Cole, and Louis Armstrong spent time in Westside establishments.

Despite the rich history and great promise, the area remains a diamond in the rough. Options abound for this centrally located community. Surrounding areas, including downtown Las Vegas, are experiencing tremendous growth, revitalization, and multi-billion dollar projects. Decisive planning and action can offer West Las Vegas residents and stakeholders a piece of the prosperity.

The West Las Vegas community stakeholders have already met twice to prepare for the one-day workshop and talk about the future of the community and how to advance on the opportunities that exist. After the one–day workshop, the residents can decide if there is a desire to take the ideas and use them as a launching effort to involve more community stakeholders.

Contacts
Mary Ann Price, City of Las Vegas, 702-229-5278; mprice@lasvegasnevada.gov
Roberta Rewers, APA Public Affairs, 312-786-6395; rrewers@planning.org