Busing students to the old Gorman High School

Gorman is gone to Summerlin, along with all the students and their cars. But the School District has bought it, and it's going to be a magnet school for 9th graders, all of whom will be bused to school.

Someone at the school district decided (with zero consultation with the city or with traffic engineering) to have ALL the buses enter and exit the old student parking lot from Oakey.

The gate on Oakey is only about 50 feet from the light, it's only 3 lanes wide altogether, and it's GOING TO BE A NIGHTMARE. (or at least a morning and afternoon mare)

The school district folks and Gary Reese, and Chris G and the traffic engineers all met on Thursday morning to address concerns.

CCSD has agreed to put another gate onto 11th street, and to pay for creating a left only lane at Oakey going east, and there's pressure on them to build a walk way over Maryland Parkway to keep the kids from having to cross a 6 lane main drag.

They're going to reassess after 2 weeks of school and see what's not working and what is.

If you have comments or suggestions, I suggest we email them to Gary Reese, the ward 3 councilman.

junk yards

Since a reader asked in the comments for us to also show the worst homes when we cover a neighborhood.......

I present to you the worst of the Fran Park disasters. Most of the homes need some landscape and paint to make them presentable from the curb, but these, on the other hand, need the county or city to intervene.

FOR BOTH THE COUNTY (455-4191) and the CITY OF LV (229-6615) THE CODE ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM IS COMPLAINT DRIVEN. They'll drive right by these properties, and not say or do a thing until a neighbor complains.

For both the county and the city, you can make a complaint anonymously (HINT HINT)



2, 3, 5, and especially 10 years ago, there were messes like these all over John S. Park, Huntridge, Marycrest, Paradise Palms, and many of the other neighborhoods that we now brag about.

Another important issue affecting our vintage neighborhoods

PACO forwarded me the following email. I've already spoken against it at City council, and do not believe that the the "NEON" project and stadium that is so VAGUELY PROPOSED for west of Main Street and South of Charleston is anything that could be anything even remotely good for our Vintage Neighborhoods.

There's a gaming commission hearing Wednesday on the subject of expanding gaming into that area.


Subject: WEDNESDAY, JULY 25th, 1 pm. Save the ARTS DISTRICT & our neighborhoods!

Please attend the Review Panel hearing of the Gaming Policy Committee. This hearing will determine if gaming can be expanded into the 73 acre parcel between Oakey, Charleston, Main Street and UPRR tracks. We believe this naked expansion of gaming and the already-decided stadium project will not only destroy (wipe out) the ARTS DISTRICT but also the surrounding neighborhoods. This includes John S. Park, Glen Heather, Scotch 80s, McNeil Estates and others, since traffic in the area will be GRIDLOCKED. Although there will be no opportunity to testify at the hearing, we need to let this Panel know that gaming is not the great panacea, especially when neighborhoods are this severely impacted. Please, please, please carpool and bring others with you and attend this WEDNESDAY's hearing. 555 E. Washington 2nd floor. State of Nevada Building. Call our attorney, Chuck Gardner 4336758 or myself 3679905 if you have any questions. Thanks.

A day late in reporting on the PARADISE PALMS GOLF COURSE meeting

At the moment, there is only one FACT on the table. There's a commercial RE Broker, claiming that he has undisclosed clients in escrow to buy the golf course, and he only refers to them as "developers". He did not return calls to the press, and was equally vague when he took a call on Tuesday from Chris G. He SAYS they're going to run it as a golf course for about 2 years, and shop for a builder to build houses on the the 132 +- acres.

First, we were most happy to see about 150 people in attendance. We were stunned by the diversity of the crowd. Young, middle and old. Black White Hispanic, Asian and ??. Golf course owners and non-golf course owners. And lots of Vintage Vegas concerned neighbors who don't even live in Paradise Palms. It was standing room only, and spilled out into the lobby.

Second, we appreciate the efforts of David Crawford, the Bennett brothers and their families for putting this together. It brings to mind the first organizing meetings to fight the "Titanic" and the Stratosphere roller coaster. Those meetings led to the formation of hugely successful neighborhood associations for John S. Park, Southridge and Beverly Green. Combined voices all singing the same tune can have huge influence on the world.



Thirdly, a thank you to County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani for her early efforts and for being, as always, on the side of homeowners and neighborhoods and willing to stand up to the forces of the developers and the big money.

Prior to the meeting, Chris G. (as we all call her) told me she was only going to say hello, and give show of support. Instead, she ended up at the podium, along with Dionicio Gordillo from Clark County Planning Dept. for well over an hour. Dionicio explained most of the steps that the developer would have to go thru, and what he's allowed to do, and what he won't be allowed to do with the underlying R-1 zoning that is already in place for the golf course land. He also explained the process of what happens if they want to do anything that would require a variance. Chris G. showed up with a short list of things that could be done, issues that need to be studied, and people who might be able to help. And then it quickly became a LONG list. The audience, in the form of questions or suggestions gave up a whole plethora of ideas and issues. Before they could ever build, there will have to be lots of hearings regarding infrastructure problems with traffic, sewage, water, wetland areas of the wash, the counties plan for walking trails thru the wash, mitigation of property value loss for neighbors, and a whole lot more. The "developer" is in for a HUGE fight, that he may not have the stomach for. The community is dead set against it, and will pull out all the stops to create a symphony of protest. I came away from the meeting feeling that the development of a cookie cutter subdivision of beige on beige, tile roofed, suburban style homes will NEVER GET BUILT on the land of the National Golf Course. I, speaking for myself, am pro property rights. I believe people have the right to do what they want with their property. But they don't have the right to do things that destroy, or harm the quiet enjoyment, property values, or rights of their neighbors. Like so many things in life, nothing is ever perfectly black or white. I expect my friends, neighbors, readers, and clients to help however they can to keep this development from ever taking shape. I'll be involved, and will lend space at VVV to help to spread the word, and further organize the resistance.

We've been sitting on this story

There are only questions at this point.

Paradise Palms is an important neighborhood in Very Vintage Vegas. There's plans afoot to turn the privately owned National Golf Course which sits in the middle of Paradise Palms into another high density housing tract. There's a HUGE impact on Vintage Vegas.

The developers will get a fight from the neighborhood, and there's a meeting tonight at the Las Vegas Country Club to get the neighborhood organized. The meeting is at 6pm at the clubhouse, which you get to from the NORTH Joe W. Brown (Swenson) gate.

I've discussed this many times with Chris G, the county commissioner, as well as with many of the home owners.
The Story made this mornings SUN, so I'm just going to link to the article here and I will give my opinion and commentary tomorrow after the meeting.

6 months early? or 6 months late

taken today.

leaded glass windows

We're trying to find someone experienced in the repair of leaded glass windows. The home owner tells me that the tenants aren't really sure how some body went so hard into the window, that it bent all the leaded framing, and broke one of the panes. I've heard that "non-story" a zillion times.

At least the homeowner is trying to save them instead of replace them. The tenants are on their way out, and the home will be on the market after some more cleanup of a few other tenant outrages.

not "officially" on the market, but it has over 2000 sf, 2 master bedrooms, pool, and 3 fireplaces. The Price will be around 325k, and I have access prior to the listing if anyone is curious.

I googled "leaded glass windows" but didn't get far, and certainly didn't get anything local. I did find a good explanation of where and how the designs originated, however, at

http://www.tudorartisans.com/glasspage.htm

WOW!

I'm not sure whats going on, but I think furniture in the street isn't the best way to keep Vintage Vegas looking good. Maybe a Bistro set or something might do a better job. If you See things like this Call the City of Las Vegas RAPID RESPONSE(702) 229-6615 and they will help us Keep Vintage Vegas clean....

How to make a chain link fence even uglier

If you don't want to see it from inside your yard, how about taking a look at it from your neighbors point of view.

I'm on a mission, no matter how long it takes, to get ALL of the front yard chain link fences removed from Vintage Vegas.

I'm sure they served a purpose for the people who installed them years ago, but now they're just eyesores. Thankfully, I've never seen a new one get installed in the 17 years I've been living in Vintage Vegas.

Nevada Power....are you there?

After a few years of fighting Nevada power about their median on Spencer in Paradise Palms. I gave in to the idea that they would take no action and we would look at grey rocks. Now they have let the weeds take over. I can't believe that something can't be done to improve this median. Grey rocks are one thing, but neglect is another. After making calls I am still left with no answer. Should we arrange a block party and pull weeds???? Let me know bennation@yahoo.com

"Your money is no good here"

Out and About on Fremont St. I don't know why this bothers me, but I attended a friend's Birthday dinner at Julia's restaurant on Fremont and Las Vegas Blvd. When we had finished eating I took the check and put some money down. The waitress took the money and the check. When she returned, the waitress informed me that they no longer accepts $100 bills. I was floored. I have had my credit card denied on many occasions ( I am sad to admit) but, My $100 bill was denied!!!! The best part of Vintage Vegas is that you can still gamble with money. I love the sound of coins falling out of a slot, but if you want to eat FORGET IT, Your money is no good here.

Honey, Should we add on to the house?

No, unless you hire an architect and a designer who understands the original character and style of the home, and the surrounding neighborhood. A couple of days ago Unclejack showed you a Mid-mod with a great second story. Now here's a great example of where somebody went wrong. I myself upgraded to a larger Vintage Vegas home, had I not then I might have lowered a trailer on top of my 1960's masterpiece. There are many great neighborhoods to step up in and many great homes in all price points, Before adding another wing, or second story, or converting a coveted garage, why not trade up to a larger Vintage Vegas treasure.

A Second story addition without a second chance, you can the original home trapped inside it's Green Valley costume. Below is the same model of home with it's original "mid-mod" look.

Dump of the week

The house isn't really that bad, but the junk! Oh the junk! But then again, we love dumpsters. Another Vingage Vegas disgrace is about to disappear. Yea!

Goodbye old friend

Another loss in Vintage Vegas. One of the most beloved hotels in the world has lost the battle over progress. I am OUTRAGED! I understand that we must have progress, but lets keep the old and add the new, We would not be anywhere without our past. I don't feel destroying all the former glory of Vegas is a healthy idea. All that we have left of Vintage Vegas is our homes and neighborhoods. After my visit at The Frontier I got a sense of excitement from the various employees ( not the normal reaction from a closing casino staff) one employee said "The construction of the former Stardust and the Frontier will open the new North end of the strip and then Las Vegas can comfortably host the (almost) 40 million tourists each year"

The Review Journal Said.....

The property originally opened in 1942 as the Hotel Last Frontier and renamed the New Frontier in 1955. Reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes bought the property for $14 million in 1967 and dropped "New" from the hotel's title. The Frontier was controlled by the Summa Corp. before it was purchased by the Elardi family. Ruffin added the "New" back to the name.
The New Frontier launched the Las Vegas career of Elvis Presley, who played his first-ever show at the casino on April 23, 1956. The Frontier was the site of the final performance of Diana Ross and The Supremes on Jan. 14, 1970.
Magicians Siegfried and Roy had a seven-year run at the Frontier starting in 1981 in "Beyond Belief." The show racked up 3,500 performances for more than 3 million showgoers before the duo signed a $57.5 million deal with casino developer Steve Wynn to perform at The Mirage.
More recently, the New Frontier has been known as the home of Gilley's Saloon and Dance Hall, which features bikini bull riding three nights a week and live mud wrestling twice a week."

Read more http://www.lvrj.com/news/7530232.html

A SAD day in Vintage Vegas

Oscar Goodman was right! "Let's cut off the thumbs of taggers". Somebody Ruined a Vintage Vegas Sign, This is the second sign that has been destroyed. Is this Personal? All of the people we have met in the community and all Of Unclejack's clients believe in Vintage Vegas, Who doesn't????? Please report all vandalism and let's keep Vintage Vegas Clean and FUN!

leftovers

Driving around yesterday, I found no less than 30 homes still with some form or other of Christmas lights/decor and IT'S MAY ALREADY. If you have a neighbor that's still dressed for December, offer to help them get them down. The worst is the santa clause and reindeer cutouts still on a lawn in Fran Park.
Amusingly, we found one set of Easter Decor on 8th Street. (at least I hope the blue wheelbarrows are left over from an egg hunt, since there's still an easter bunny, but if not, I'll have to re label this post as "Yard Art??"

by popular (almost) demand

A reader askedfor a photo of the geodesic dome that was built over a "huntridge cottage" I think there was one or two years in the seventies when geodesic seemed like a good idea. I only know of a handful in all of the Las Vegas Valley. I'm glad this idea didn't stick around.

A little color might help (just saying).

Get it together Vintage Vegas

Looks like yard care is out of fashion for one of my new downtown neighbors, Zero-scape is a great alternative to doing yard work and the water company offers rebates to do so. If there is a situation where a senior citizen can no longer keep up their yard Las Vegas has many options to assist in this matter. Contact Ben Nation and Very Vintage Vegas.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!

Paradise Palms is one of the premier neighborhoods in Las Vegas. I feel that when you are so fortunate to live here, you accept a responsibility to maintain the exterior of your home. I feel that being able to do what you want with your house is your right, but at least do it RIGHT. A few trashy happy faces aren't setting a standard for Paradise Palms life. If only I could have that wonder full Mid-Century home that anchors the elite Ottawa Drive. After many conversations with the owner over the years (and my many offers to buy his house) I found out that the attention he gets from these badly drawn faces is all that he is after, Lets have a paint the fence party and maybe he will give in!!!!!!

She tore down the monument sign in Glen Heather

No, it's not as terrible as losing an historically or architecturally significant building, but for over 50 years there was a monument sign and planter at Oakey and Rancho announcing the name of "GLEN HEATHER ESTATES".

Yes, it was on her lawn, but the city had an easement for it, and she just ignored it and tore it down. The city and the neighborhood are FURIOUS! as are we here at VeryVintageVegas.

Stupid crap like this can not be allowed to happen. The Glen Heather neighbors are planning a protest vigil (date and time to be announced), and want to have the city rebuild it and charge the homeowner.

If anyone has a "before" photo, we'd love to have it. please email it to jack@unclejack.com