People who live or own properties in the Beverly Green neighborhood say they were caught off guard by an Assembly bill to change the gaming district.
The bill, AB219, was sponsored by Assemblywoman Heidi Swank (D-Las Vegas) who lives in the neighborhood. It would make an exemption for the neighborhood from the gaming district.
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Right now, anything within 1,500 feet of the center line of Las Vegas Boulevard is considered part of the gaming district, meaning it could potentially be zoned for large casinos.
AB219 would try and protect the history of the neighborhood by not including the neighborhood in the gaming district.
But many neighbors, investors, and property owners in the area tell 13 Action News they were blindsided by the plan and not given any chance to respond. A few said they weren't aware of it until they saw it in the news.
Some say they oppose the plan because it would hurt their property values and not allow them to potentially sell their properties to big developers.
"Everyone has a price tag," says neighbor David Chen. "I'd like to have the opportunity to sell if the price is right for me."
The bill has already passed the Assembly. It would still need to be adjusted and passed in the Senate before going back to the Assembly and potentially to Gov. Brian Sandoval's desk.
Opponents say they're working to gather neighbors to contact lawmakers in Carson City and make their opinions known.
