LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Parts of east Las Vegas could soon see another major redevelopment effort as city leaders consider a new project aimed at revitalizing long-neglected neighborhoods and business corridors.
The proposal, led by Las Vegas Mayor Pro Tem Olivia Diaz, focuses on improving areas along Charleston Boulevard, Owens Avenue, 21st Street and Nellis Boulevard. Residents and business owners said they hope the effort brings safer streets, stronger local businesses and more community gathering spaces.
WATCH | East Las Vegas reporter Adriana Gonzalez-Chavez talked with locals and the mayor pro tem about the proposal:
For longtime east Las Vegas resident and business owner Adelena Calero, change cannot come soon enough.
“People no longer want to go out in the evenings close to here because they’re afraid of getting robbed on the street, whether driving or walking,” Calero said.
Calero manages Fiesta Pinolera and said concerns about crime, homelessness and trash are hurting local businesses.
“Local businesses need customers to feel safe," she said.
Other residents share similar concerns.
“There are times the lights turn off and it’s frightening to go on the streets because it gets too dark over here,” east Las Vegas resident Christian Vega said.
Mayor Pro Tem Diaz said years of feedback from residents motivated her to push for what she calls “Redevelopment Project Three.”
“I kept hearing overwhelmingly throughout many years that that part of our city was not being tended to intentionally or at the same level as other parts of the city,” Diaz said.
According to Diaz, the proposed redevelopment would not create a new tax for residents. Funding would come from redevelopment funds already allocated by the city.
The project aims to support existing businesses while improving the appearance of the area in hopes of attracting future investment and new businesses.
Residents like Vianka Vega said they would also like to see more recreational spaces included in the plan.
“I wish there could be more parks, more areas of recreational activities,” Vega said. “It would be very nice to have an area where we can play sports that is shaded, so the community could get together.”
While many residents support redevelopment efforts, some said public safety must remain the top priority.
Calero said improvements to the area will only succeed if people feel safe enough to visit and support local businesses.
The proposed redevelopment initiative is part of “Nuestro Futuro Este de Las Vegas,” a long-term vision connected to the city’s 2050 Master Plan, which focuses on improving parks, transportation and land development across east Las Vegas.
