• Tweet
• Share
• Email
• Print

Henderson, NV (KTNV) -- A popular Henderson shopping center may be getting a new look. But the proposed changes, have some residents outraged. They turned to Action News for help, and when You Ask. We Investigate.

Kids playing, friends chatting, and couples strolling. All typical sights at The District at Green Valley Ranch, where a Christmas tree stands as a beacon, and music fills the air.

But some fear those sights and sounds could soon be taken-over by car horns and traffic.

"If we don't get the word out fast, there are going to be bulldozers here," says Paul Black, who owns a condominium above one of the shops.  "We reached out to Channel 13, because people need to know the developer has a plan in the works. We paid a lot of money to be in these condos, because of what this area offers. The developer can't just change it."

Vestar, the company that recently bought The District, has submitted plans to turn the main pedestrian pathway - that runs between the stores, to the entrance of Green Valley Ranch Casino - into a two-way street, with some additional parking spaces.

"We don't want to lose that walking space," Black says. "it's where people congregate, and enjoy the ambiance."

But not everyone is completely against the idea of putting in a road.

"I'm for anything that could bring more business to this center, because I want to see it stay in business," says Chris Connors, who owns Rachel's Kitchen.  "I want it to succeed. This is my livelihood."

A lot of small business owners at The District think a roadway might be what the shopping center needs. They say the current layout, hinders some of the stores and restaurants.

"I've seen seven businesses close here since I opened three years ago," Connors says. "In that time, I've seen two businesses open. That rate is not good. Something needs to be done to increase traffic. I understand that people want to walk down the middle, but all adding a road would do, is move the walking closer to the businesses. There will still be a wide sidewalk, ample parking, and outside seating."

But Paul Black - and many other critics - don't think letting cars drive through, will help generate more cash for the District. And they plan to fight for the open space.

Action News left a message with Vestar, but has not gotten a call back.

The City of Henderson's Planning Commission will take up the issue Thursday, December 13th at 5 p.m. That meeting will be open to the public.