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Desert Shores residents want HOA to spend on security, not big money cosmetic upgrades

Posted at 11:54 PM, Apr 12, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-13 02:54:27-04

A Las Vegas community is worried about crime, and the people say their homeowners association is apparently looking to spend six figures on cosmetic upgrades instead of security.

Neighbors in the Desert Shores community near Buffalo Drive and Smoke Ranch Road say safety is a much larger concern.

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"It's not safe when you're walking through here at night," said Katenna Hassel, a homeowner. "We have a lot of people that come here from all over the world. We don't know what people's intentions are."

She's referring to the walk around the Desert Shores lagoon. She believes there should be more lighting.

As the demand for safety measures like cameras and more patrols grows, the HOA board has approved a plan to replace turf along the lake and build retaining walls to protect trees.

Neighbors say they've been told the projects will cost at least $100,000.

"To spend 100 grand on grass when lights could be put up is absolutely ridiculous," said Rex Proctor, a neighbor.

Hassel agreed, saying the money deserves to go toward something more important.

The board held an informational meeting Wednesday to explain the turf plan in more detail.

In the public handout they supplied, it said the money to replace the turf would come from a reserve fund and wouldn't have a financial impact on homeowners or the community's operating budget.

Board members didn't allow 13 Action News cameras in to the meeting.