Volunteers plan major makeover for flood-damaged shops

By Victoria Spilabotte

CREATED Sep. 20, 2012

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  • The community is coming together to help businesses impacted by recent flooding. Video by ktnv.com

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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- The cleanup continues for businesses gutted by flood waters, but there's some relief on the way.

Two-hundred-fifty gallons of paint will help revamp The Promenade shopping center near University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

"The small businesses that got devastated and closed don't have the funds to put themselves back in business," Arnold Stalk, with the nonprofit Share, said. "That's why we are going to help them."

Stalk is planning a major makeover with help from the community. Volunteers will replace caution tape with new floors and walls. It's a quick fix for businesses like Wazzup Pizza.

"I lost everything," owner Dominic Vendetti said.

The restaurant can't wait for government aid to help it reopen - that could take months.

"We're mobilizers and I call on the people I know can act now," Stalk said. "We don't have to wait for processes and reviews and public meetings and debates and things like that."

Clark County officials said 30 homes and 20 businesses have been damaged by floods.

At The Promenade, the only business that's still open is the barber shop. Barbers put in their own money for the clean up.

"It's horrible for the other businesses, but they'll be back open," barber Gene Vargas said. "I really believe with all the support they're getting they will be back up."

"I really want them to open quickly it's one of my favorite spots," UNLV student Vanessa Carter said. "I think it's really great everybody is trying to pitch in together."

On Friday, the organization Share is holding an emergency meeting at 10:30 a.m. at the Veteran's Village at 1150 Las Vegas Blvd. South. They're looking for anyone who can help in the rebuilding process.